Gospel in Art: Before you leave your offering at the altar, go and be reconciled first

The Offering of the Jews by the Master of the Gathering of the Manna, 1460-1470 Oil on panel © Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14 March 2025

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: 'I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to those of old, "You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement." But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, "You fool!" will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.'

Reflection on the painting

The Ten Commandments given in the Old Testament instruct us on both what we should do and what we should avoid. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus quotes one of these commandments: "You shall not kill." Yet, Jesus invites us to go much deeper. It is not enough to simply refrain from killing; He calls us to transform our attitudes. Merely following the letter of the law is insufficient. What is truly expected of us is a kind and generous heart.

To illustrate this, Jesus tells His Jewish contemporaries that if someone wishes to offer a gift at the temple altar, they should first reconcile with any brother or sister with whom they have fallen out. Only after making peace should they present their offering. Jesus emphasises that, while going to the temple is important, much of the essential work happens outside its walls. This is where our Christian lives are truly lived, outside the temple walls, by being kind to those around us, by forgiving, and by seeking forgiveness. We are called to take the first step towards reconciliation before approaching God in worship. Of course, Jesus isn't suggesting that we must be perfect before entering the temple or church. Rather, he warns against thinking that worship alone defines our faith. What we do outside church is just as important as what we do inside.

Our painting reflects this theme, depicting a group of Jewish people preparing an offering at the temple. The artwork is by the Master of the Gathering of the Manna, an anonymous artist named after his painting in the Musée de la Chartreuse in Douai. In this piece, we see figures wearing traditional headdresses, gathering wood to burn on the altar. Above the altar, a red monochrome relief portrays the story of Cain killing Abel, a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved anger and the importance of reconciliation.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-5-20-26-2025/ (with audio)