Today's Gospel in Art - Solemnity of Saint George, Martyr

St George and the Dragon, by Master of Sir John Fastolf © J Paul Getty Museum (object no. 84.ML.723.33v)

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 23rd April 2021 - John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples:

'If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you.

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own;

but because you do not belong to the world,

because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you.

Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.

If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too;

if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.

But it will be on my account that they will do all this, because they do not know the one who sent me.'

Reflection on the Illuminated Manuscript Page

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint George. Nothing much is known about St George. Tradition holds that he was a Roman soldier and was tortured and decapitated during the persecution of Christians under Diocletian in 303. His remains were taken to Lydda, now Lod, in Israel. Stories about him as a warrior-saint, dating from the 6th century onwards, became increasingly more popular and legendary. Especially in medieval times, he was regarded as being synonymous with battling evil and with selflessness. As he is the patron saint of England and Georgia, I wish our readers from there a happy feast day.

The illuminated miniature from a Book of Hours dating to 1430 shows one of the more classical depictions of St George slaying a dragon. It is thought that this may be a Christian version of the legend of Perseus. Perseus was said to have saved Andromeda from a sea monster near Lydda. As Perseus was known for his courage and fighting spirit, it may well be that early Christians adopted and Christianised that story for St George. The lady in the background of our miniature would further confirm this theory, as she would be the medieval Andromeda in awe of the knightly actions of a youthful looking St George who wears armour with a scarlet crosses.

Advance our standards, set upon our foes;

Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George,

Inspire us with the spleens of fiery dragons

- William Shakespeare

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/784
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php