Today's Gospel in Art - Love one another

Love, Oliviero Toscani ©United Colors of Benetton

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 7th May 2021 - John 15:12-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

'This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master's business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.'

Reflection on the Advertising Poster

Jesus tells us today: 'I call you friends'. This is the essence of our Christian faith. It is a friendship with Christ. It is not just faith in Him or trust in Him, but it is an actual close friendship. It is all about love.

Today I want to look a little closer at imagery and artwork used in advertising. This is a whole interesting area of creative, artistic output in itself. United Colours of Benetton is best known for its advertising campaigns which at times show us shocking imagery. Some of it I like, some of it I don't. But the images they have used since 1989 to sell their products are always eye-catching. Usually shot on plain white backgrounds by Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani, they depict people from different ethnicities holding hands, leaders from different religions side by side, refugees being rescued at sea, etc.… Part of the shock factor is that we are not used to seeing these artworks on our billboards. And yes, they are artworks indeed.

In our image, we see two hands, from two different backgrounds, one smooth, one weathered, but united to make a heart-shaped love sign. Three times in our Gospel passage today Jesus uses the word 'friends' and wants us to be His friend. He loves us and is our friend despite our sins and shortcomings. He actually gave His own life for this friendship! The words in our reading 'You did not choose me: no, I chose you' show that Jesus takes the initiative to love us. We are simply asked to respond and engage… and to love Him back….

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/798
Christian Art - www.christian.art