Gospel in Art: The women who accompanied Jesus

Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, by Johannes Vermeer, 1655 © Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 September 2024
Luke 8:1-3

Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and several others who provided for them out of their own resources.

Reflection on the painting

We often think of Jesus as the servant of all, and rightly so, as this is how he presented Himself. The Gospels tell us that he proclaimed he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. However, even Jesus required the service of others at times. He was dependent on the support and care that others provided. Today's Gospel reading highlights how some women ministered to him. Luke tells us that as Jesus travelled through towns and villages preaching, a number of women supported him out of their own resources. Their service enabled Jesus to continue serving others.

If even Jesus, the Son of God, needed the help of others at times, how much more do we, His followers, need it? We are indeed called to serve, but we are also called to accept the service of others, acknowledging that we rely on their support. Serving others demands generosity, while allowing ourselves to be served requires humility. It involves recognising our limitations and understanding that others can provide what we lack.

As Paul wisely understood, within the Church, the body of Christ, we are all interconnected. Each of us has different gifts and strengths, and we depend on one another to build up the body of Christ. In this way, both giving and receiving are vital aspects of our shared community of faith.

Our painting by Johannes Vermeer (died aged only 43) shows Jesus in the house of his close friends, Martha and Mary. They were some of the women who lovingly served Jesus. The scene reflects the different forms of service-active and contemplative. Martha is seen busy with household duties, serving food, while Mary sits attentively at Jesus' feet, listening to his teachings. Vermeer masterfully contrasts the two sisters: Martha's active service and Mary's contemplative devotion. This is the largest canvas that Vermeer ever painted.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-8-1-3-2024/