Today's Gospel in Art - As a hen gathers her brood under her wings

Hens and her Brood, a Peacock, all disturbed by arrival of a Falcon, by Melchior d'Hondecoeter late 17thC, O © Sotheby's Sale, 4/12/2013 lot 37

Gospel of 31st October 2019 - Luke 13: 31-35

Some Pharisees came up to Jesus. 'Go away' they said. 'Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.' He replied, 'You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.

'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:

'Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!'

Reflection on the Painting

Melchior de Hondecoeter was a Dutch painter who specialised in depicting birds of all types. Here we see, apart from the central figure of the peacock, a hen protecting her brood at the arrival of a falcon which comes flying in. The little chicks are scared and run off in all directions. The words in today's Gospel 'as a hen gathers her brood under her wings', reminded me of this painting. Look how protective the hen is towards her little ones, all under the watchful eye of the peacock..... To read on see: To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/220

Tags: Christian Art Today, Patrick van der Vorst, Hen