Gospel in Art: Solemnity of Saint Joseph

St Joseph and the Christ Child by Guido Reni © Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 19 March 2024
Luke 2:41-51a

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day's journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.

Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.'

'Why were you looking for me?' he replied. 'Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?' But they did not understand what he meant.

He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.

Reflection on the painting

Today, 19th March, has been dedicated to Saint Joseph since the 10th century. Of all the saints, I hold him as one of the dearest in my own personal faith journey. None of the Gospels records any words that Saint Joseph spoke. Even so, his eloquent silence speaks volumes and tells us all about his character. He was loving, caring, obedient, humble, discreet and working hard in the background: all qualities for us all to strive for.

He was a man filled with worry, as his bride-to-be, the woman he loved so much, was pregnant. But after the angel appeared to him in a dream, assuring him that Mary's child was conceived through the Holy Spirit, Joseph took Mary into his home as his wife. He became a true father, with a father's heart. But he was also a man of action. Think of him finding a stable after being rejected at the inn, fleeing to Egypt, bringing the family safely back, etc…. He was actively engaged in God's plan. From what we do know of him, we can see how he faithfully did the ordinary, to serve the extra-ordinary.

Our painting by Guido Reni is a tender image depicting an elderly Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child. Reni enjoyed huge success in his lifetime and was one of the most famous Italian painters of his day. He was even referred to as 'the divine Guido'. Saint Joseph is shown as a simple, uncomplicated man warmly embracing his adopted infant son. The fruit held by the infant Jesus is a reminder to the viewer of both the fall of man in Eden as well as the fruitfulness of redemption through the sacrifice of Christ. There is something captivating about this old father who holds his son. He seems wise, but also vulnerable. Guido Reni has painted an elderly father who is well aware of the future of his baby.

Baby Jesus is painted with lightness. He almost sits up on Joseph's hands and displays a remarkable awareness. Even though he is a baby, Jesus is depicted as already the spiritual master of Joseph. Jesus displays a beautiful, soft glow. Joseph holds his baby as if baby Jesus weighs as little as a feather. This all adds to the impression Guido Reni aims for, showing how, even when Jesus was a baby, how heavenly Jesus.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-2-41-51a-2024/
Competition: The Laudamus Award 2024 for Sacred Art - www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49310