Gospel in Art: Anyone who welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me

Girl with a Watering Can, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876 © National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 13 August 2024
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them.

Then he said, 'I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

'See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.

'Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray?

I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.'

Reflection on the painting

Our painting today exemplifies the mature impressionist style of the 1870s. While impressionist landscapes are often painted quickly and 'in the moment,' portraits like the one of the little girl here exhibit more detail and control. The vibrant colours are characteristic of Renoir, reflecting the freshness and radiance of the impressionist palette. Unlike his landscapes, the brushstrokes in this portrait are more even and controlled, giving the painting a rich, more detailed texture. We don't know the identity of the girl, but she was likely a local child Renoir found appealing for his work. Her curly blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, red ribbon, rosy cheeks, and smiling red lips make this painting exceptionally charming and lively.

The overall innocence of this painting speaks to us profoundly. This same innocence is what Jesus addresses in today's reading. He emphasizes the great value of a child's soul in the eyes of God. Children are born innocent, desiring only to be loved, protected, cared for, and taught. Similarly, God, as our loving parent, cares for us, loves us, protects us and teaches us - if we allow him to.

This is our main challenge in this life: to have this childlike innocence where we 'allow' God to love us. What is a given is that God loves us, 100%. There is no doubt about that. But we are the ones who doubt and hesitate.

Jesus was calling on his disciples to become child-like not childish; child-like in the sense of having child-like trust in a loving Father.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-18-1-5-10-12-14-2024/