Today's Gospel in Art - If anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him

Strolling around the Seashore, by Joaquín Sorolla, 1909 © The Sorolla Museum, Madrid

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14th June 2021 - Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: 'You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.'

Reflection on the Painting

Our Spanish painting by Joaquín Sorolla depicts the artist's wife and daughter going for a walk on the seashore in Valencia. They are walking seemingly against the wind, with both women leaning slightly forward and one hanging on to her hat. Behind the two women is a seamless transition from the sandy brown beach to the blues of the sea.

Jesus teaches us today that 'if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him'. Like the mother in our painting - she is probably walking the extra mile with her daughter to care for her, and make sure she is ok. If we walk the extra mile with someone, we show that we are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the wellbeing of that person. Maybe the passage today is a call for us to assist people in their spiritual needs and go beyond the call of duty to help. Jesus is calling us to an all-giving, extravagant love of service for others.

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/837
Christian Art - www.christian.art