Gospel in Art: Jesus sheds tears over the coming fate of Jerusalem

Warsaw, by Paul Wawszczyk, 2021. Oil on canvas, © Paul Wawszczyk

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 17 November 2022
Luke 19:41-44

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, 'If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you - and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!'

Reflection on the painting

Warsaw by Paul Wawszczyk was inspired by a photograph of Nazi soldiers gathering a group of mainly women and children and some older men at a railway station. Like Jesus in today's gospel, so many in the world weep. One city after another could be added to the list in the painting above.

Jesus' listeners were surrounded with him by the forces of destruction and often we can witness those forces when watching the TV News.

A prayer poem of lament by Nicola Slee and addressed to Mary, Mother of God, provides some words for us:

"… pray for the mothers who'll never be comforted now.

Pray for us now and at the hour of our death

Pray for our mortality

Pray for our vulnerability

Pray for what can't be healed

Pray for what won't be cured

Pray for what refuses to be raised."

Born in Preston, England, Sister Pauline Darby SHCJ taught for a few years before training as a facilitator and worked with schools and parishes in different dioceses in addition to religious congregations at home and abroad. Pauline uses art in both facilitation and retreat settings and is herself a keen iconographer. Currently she is serving in Rome as leader of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-19-41-44-2022/