Gospel in Art: Give, and it will be given to you

Ecce Homo, by Caravaggio, 1605 @ Musei di Strada Nuova, Genoa, Italy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 23 February 2025
Luke 6:27-38

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you; and from one who takes away your goods, do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

'If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

'Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'

Reflection on the painting

The teaching of Jesus in today's Gospel challenges us to rethink our assumptions, as much of it runs counter to conventional wisdom. His words seem at odds with what we might consider common sense in everyday life. The passage concludes with the powerful exhortation: "Give, and there will be gifts for you; a full measure… will be poured into your lap." In other words, it is through giving that we truly receive. The world often tells us that fulfilment comes from acquiring, accumulating, and holding on to what we have, while giving is seen as a loss. Yet, Jesus' own life demonstrates the profound truth of his teaching.

It was through giving that he received; by laying down his life, he gained eternal life, not only for himself but for all who believe in him. His sacrifice was not one of loss, but of abundant life, both for himself and for others. This paradox of finding life through death, receiving through giving, is the very path he calls us to follow. When we give of ourselves for the sake of Christ, we find that we receive from him far more than we ever give. When we die to our own self-interest so that others may flourish, we, in turn, become more fully alive.

Our 'Ecce Homo' painting by Caravaggio, circa 1605, shows Christ, crowned with thorns, presented to the crowd before his crucifixion. He stands silent and vulnerable, yet paradoxically, his apparent weakness is his greatest strength. Through giving his life, he redeemed the world. The title, Latin for "Behold the Man", references Pontius Pilate's words when presenting Jesus to the crowd before his crucifixion (John 19:5). The composition is intimate and intense, focusing on just three figures. Christ is shown wearing a crown of thorns and a red robe, for his blood is about to be shed. His head is slightly bowed, and his face expresses resignation, sorrow, and yet quiet strength rather than agony, reinforcing the paradox of suffering and salvation. Pilate, in early 17th century dress, is staring straight at us, almost telling us 'what would you have done in my place?' The soldier standing behind Jesus, is placing the red robe over his shoulders. His expression is brutal and indifferent, reinforcing the dehumanisation of Christ.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-6-27-38-2025/