Gospel in Art: The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Guido Reni.1640 © National Gallery, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 1 January 2024
Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

Reflection on the painting

Today is one of the great feasts of Mary and it coincides with New Year's day: The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. The title 'Mother of God' is probably the most exalted title that Mary has been given by the church. Yet, in today's gospel reading we are given an image of Mary as a young woman who has just given birth to her son, in a cave where animals were brought for shelter and feeding. The exalted is present in the simplest of settings!

And the shepherds beautifully convey this same message, telling the story of the appearance of the angels who announced that this child was none other than the Saviour, Christ the Lord. The shepherds proclaim this news, this gospel, to Mary, Joseph and all who were present with them; they thus became the first evangelists. We are told that everyone who heard this gospel was astonished. Mary, however, was not simply astonished. Luke tells us that she treasured the words that the shepherds spoke and pondered them in her heart.

We can see this beautiful reflectiveness of Mary in our painting by Guido Reni. She truly treasured the words that the shepherds spoke. This painting is a very large altarpiece and, nearly five metres high without its frame, it is one of the largest paintings in the London National Gallery's collection. Reni has staged a night-time scene, using the darkness to full dramatic effect by basking the Christ Child in an otherworldly glow that illuminates the faces of those around him. All the figures in our painting are gazing upon the baby Jesus with awe and devotion. Celestial light seems to spill from the heavens through a gap in the clouds. A delightful group of joyful putti carry a scroll that reads: GLORIA IN ECCELSIS DEO ('Glory to God in the highest').

Happy New Year to you all. May the light of Christ be with you throughout the year.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-2-16-21-2024/