Gospel in Art: When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast

Marriage,Installation by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, 2004 © Phillips London, 17 October 2009, lot 2, sold for £55,000

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 8 July 2023
Matthew 9:14-17

John's disciples came to him and said, 'Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?' Jesus replied, 'Surely the bridegroom's attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunken cloth on to an old cloak, because the patch pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; if they do, the skins burst, the wine runs out, and the skins are lost. No; they put new wine into fresh skins and both are preserved.'

Reflection on the Contemporary Art Installation

Being a Christian is never one-dimensional. If we want to walk with Jesus we must realise that there is a time for fasting and a time for celebrating. There is a time for the old and a time for the new. He doesn't want us to hold on rigidly to the past, but to also open our hearts to the ever renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is calling us to accept the radical novelty of the Kingdom he brings. The passage basically boils down to Jesus wanting us to view him in a radically new way. He wants to draw us into an intimacy with him that is similar to that between a bridegroom and his bride. He evokes an image he wants us to cultivate, of a wedding between him and us where a joyful, celebratory atmosphere prevails.

Our contemporary artwork installation is by Scandinavian artistic duo, Emgreen & Dragset, called 'Marriage'. It comprises two sets of mirrors, sinks and taps representing husband and wife, bride and groom. The couple's union is wittily demonstrated by the joined up drain piping. However, if the piping were to be left like this, it would render the basins completely useless, as the water wouldn't be able to flow anywhere. Still, the pipes demonstrate their unity and togetherness.

Jesus is reminding us that at the heart of our faith is good news, joyful news. There is a lovely beatitude in the Book of Revelation, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb'. That beatitude applies to all of us. We are all invited to the wedding feast of the Lord, who is our bridegroom. That feast will be celebrated fully in the kingdom of heaven, but it is already being celebrated here in this life.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-9-14-17-2023/