Today's Gospel in Art - Jesus touched his tongue with spittle

Extreme Unction, by Nicolas Poussin 1638 © Fitzwilliam museum, Cambridge

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5th September 2021 Mark 7:31-37

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man's ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, 'Ephphatha', that is, 'Be opened.' And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. 'He has done all things well,' they said 'he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.'

Reflection on the Painting

Each time I come across today's Gospel reading, what strikes me is the physical element to the healing. Jesus uses spittle and touch. This physical element is very much continued in and is part of the sacraments we celebrate. In Baptism we use water and oil. For the Anointing of the Sick, we are anointed with Holy Oil on the forehead and hands. In the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ… the physical side of the sacraments is important. All these are outward signs to give us inward grace. The outward physical part goes hand in hand with the inward, spiritual part. The material and spiritual parts are inseparable!

Painted in Rome in 1638, our canvas by Nicolas Poussin depicts a dying man being anointed with oil. The painting is one of a set of seven scenes representing the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Dominating the composition is the priest in a yellow cloak, accompanied by two acolytes, one of whom is holding a copy of the liturgy on which the word 'Unc-tio' can be discerned. It is mainly the expression of the onlookers that is so beautifully captured. The mother of the dying man is gently cradling his head. She is in the shadows but so present to the dying man. The wife of the man sitting by his feet is covering her face in an expression of inconsolable grief. His daughter, whose hands are joined in silent prayer, is looking away trying to find solace talking to God. By portraying so many protagonists in this painting, each with different emotions, Poussin shows us that death affects not only the dying, but those they leave behind…

Note: There's a chance to see Patrick van der Vorst next week when he will be giving a talk on 'Catholicism, Beauty and Art' at Holy Apostles Parish, Winchester Street, Pimlico, London SW1V 4LY - on Wednesday, 8 September at 7.15pm, Admission Free. All welcome.

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/920
Christian Art - https:/www.christian.art