Advertisement MissioICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Today's Gospel in Art - There will be great earthquakes, plagues and famines

  • Patrick van der Vorst

The Virgin appearing to the Plague Victims,  by Antonio Zanchi 1666 © Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice

The Virgin appearing to the Plague Victims, by Antonio Zanchi 1666 © Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice

Gospel of 24th November 2020 - Luke 21:5-11

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, 'All these things you are staring at now - the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.'

And they put to him this question: 'Master,' they said 'when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?'

'Take care not to be deceived,' he said 'because many will come using my name and saying, "I am he" and, "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.'

Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.'

Reflection on the Staircase Paintings

'There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines' Jesus foretells in today's Gospel reading. The staircase paintings we are looking at are at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice. Saint Roch is regarded as a plague protector because he miraculously cured himself of infection. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was built for a confraternity dedicated to him. It is not insignificant that it was built in the very city that pioneered quarantine, Venice. The cramped conditions of the city with its many canals must have made it a hive of disease. The word quarantine comes from the Italian for '40 days', the amount of time foreign ships were impounded for in 1348 before they could moor in the city. The Scuola Grande bears witness to Venice's plague and quarantine sufferings. When the current quarantine is over, it will be worth visiting this staircase, where Antonio Zanchi's gruesome scenes record the devastating plague of 1630.

Just like the plagues of the past, nobody knows how long the Covid virus is going to last. We hope, pray and trust that soon this plague will pass and we can all return to a normal life. But the question is what should we as Christians do until then? People have become alarmed about the fragility of their lives and earthly existence. Therefore people may be more open to listening to God's message. Maybe it is an opportune time to gently (re-)introduce them to the hope of the Gospels. This is certainly a time to pray for ourselves, our parishes, our friends, our nation, for the whole world. But it is maybe also a time to try to come out of our shell a little more as regards to talking about our faith to people around us… Maybe, just maybe, we might find more people open to receiving Christ's message of hope for tomorrow.

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/616

Christian Art - www.christian.art

Adverts

Apostleship of the Sea

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon