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Today's Gospel in Art - A greater than John the Baptist has never been seen

  • Patrick van der Vorst

Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael 1506 © Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael 1506 © Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

Gospel of 10th December 2020 - Matthew 11:11-15

Jesus spoke to the crowds: 'I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!'

Reflection on the Painting

In Advent, the Gospel readings turn, of course, towards the birth of Jesus. But why does John the Baptist figure so prominently in the earlier days of our Advent readings? Two main reasons. Firstly, John the Baptist is the last of the old covenant prophets. He stands on the threshold between the Old and the New Testament. After John, Jesus brings the new covenant… a new era of the Kingdom of God.

Secondly, Advent means 'coming'. It is a period for us to prepare for Jesus' coming. Yes, we celebrate His coming two thousand years ago. But with the reading about Saint John the Baptist, we are also reminded of His Second Coming. Advent is meant to help us liven up our spiritual lives, expecting His return.

Therefore, for me, our painting today, The Madonna of the Goldfinch, by Raphael, is one of the main Advent images. It depicts Our Lady, together with the young Jesus and Saint John the Baptist joyfully interacting. The Christ Child is lovingly stroking a goldfinch that the boy Baptist has just given him. A symbol of the Passion (as the goldfinch feeds among thorns) is thus placed in what is otherwise just a joyful painting of seeing children at play. John has a bit more hair than Jesus, showing he is slightly older and will prepare the way for Jesus' ministry. Advent prepares us not merely to celebrate His coming two thousand years ago but to accept His Second Coming as part of our faith.

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/632

Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php

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