Gospel in Art: For the one who is not against us is for us

The Triumph of Death by Pieter Breughel the Elder, 1562 © Museo del Prado, Madrid

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 26 February 2025
Mark 9:38-40

At that time: John said to Jesus, 'Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.' But Jesus said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.'

Reflection on the painting

All the awful things that 'he who is against us' is up to is powerfully depicted in our painting by Pieter Brueghel the Elder. A vast army of skeletons, dressed in white cloaks, is seen casting a man into the sea with a millstone around his neck. The background presents a bleak, barren landscape, littered with destruction, the grim reality of evil and aftermath of violence. In the top right, a man kneels in prayer just moments before his execution. In the foreground, Death rides a horse, pulling a cart filled with skeletons. Meanwhile, in the bottom right, people engaged in a game of backgammon (the popular gambling pastime of the era) suddenly flee for their lives. At the heart of the painting, a skeleton on horseback drives hordes of people into an enormous coffin, a chilling reminder of the inescapability of death. This truly fascinating painting offers endless details to observe and reflect upon.

Although macabre, this was Brueghel's intention. He painted this panel as a stark reminder of the inevitability of death. And if death is always near, then repentance should not be delayed-it should happen now! Jesus speaks of the eternal consequences of our actions. If we fail to repent, we may forfeit Heaven; but if we live righteously, our efforts will not go unrewarded.

In Mark's Gospel, we often see moments of tension between Jesus and His disciples, and today's reading is a clear example. The disciples tended to see things in black and white, believing that only those who were explicitly part of their group could be trusted to carry out God's work. However, Jesus had a far broader perspective. He recognised that even those outside his immediate circle could still be acting in alignment with God's will. In fact, he makes the remarkable statement, "For the one who is not against us is for us."

This is a powerful lesson for us today. Many people may not actively practise their faith in the way we might expect, yet they are not opposed to Christ's message. Jesus' words in this passage challenge us to build bridges rather than draw boundaries. He calls us to recognise and collaborate with all those who, in different ways, contribute to bringing life where there is despair, healing where there is brokenness, and relief where there is suffering.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-9-38-40-2025/