Gospel in Art: The greatest among you must be your servant

Heads of Six of Hogarth's Servants, Painting by William Hogarth © Tate Britain, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 August 2022
Matthew 23:1-12

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.'

Reflection on the painting

Our painting by William Hogarth depicts the heads of six of his domestic servants. It demonstrates exquisitely his mastery of his portraiture skills. The unusual painting shows three men and three women, of varying ages from youth to maturity. Each subject looks in a different direction, with no lines of vision intersecting. It is thought that the servants could perhaps be a coachman, valet, page, housekeeper and two housemaids. They are shown in their natural appearance, in their usual work clothes and in a way that captures their individual characters. As the painting was not commissioned, but rather painted for Hogarth's own amusement, the canvas carries a lot of character and charm.

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus says that 'the greatest among you must be your servant'. His concept of greatness is of service in humility. But it is a different serving or humility from that shown in our painting. True humility is being willing to give up everything that comes from myself in order to be obedient to God, and do his will. True humility is a delicate balancing act between humbly recognising our own weaknesses and yet realising that we are always loved by God.

Years ago, someone told me, 'Humility allows you to ask for advice'. It is a very simple sentence, yet it carries so much depth. It is true: if we are humble we will ask for advice from a friend, a priest or a professional, so that we can continue to grow in love for God and build total trust in God.

(Editor's note - I managed to mix up the articles - publishing the 21st August one yesterday - and the 20th today. Apologies! You can see all past entries in the links below - as well as subscribe to Gospel in Art - when you'll be guaranteed to see all the entries in the correct order!)

LINKS

Christian Art: https://christian.art/
Today's image: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-1-12-2022-2/