Gospel in Art: Take neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money

Vicelin distributing Bread among the Poor, by Christoffer Eckersberg © National Museum, Oslo

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 25 September 2024
Luke 9:1-6

Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, 'Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.' So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

Reflection on the painting

In today's Gospel, when Jesus sends out the Twelve, it might seem surprising that he instructs them to take nothing for the journey. Most of us would never embark on a journey without preparing what we think we need, as we prefer to feel independent, self-sufficient, and in control of our plans. Yet Jesus deliberately sends his disciples out in a state of vulnerability, telling them to rely on others for hospitality and support, just as depicted in the painting where we see poor being being dependent and fed by the generosity of others.

The Twelve are thus forced to surrender control, to trust not in their own resources but in the providence of God working through the kindness of others. By doing so, they learn a powerful lesson in humility and faith, discovering that, by relinquishing control, that they can experience the care of the Lord in unexpected ways. The same goes for all of us: the more we allow God to be in control, the more we become dependent on him and thus closer to him. But we often strive to manage every aspect of our lives. We are asked to release that grip and trust in God's provision.

Our painting from 1812 is by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg. He was a Danish painter and professor, often regarded as the father of the Golden Age of Danish painting. He was known for his precise, realistic style. His works (particularly landscape, portrait and historical painting) and his teaching at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts greatly influenced Danish art. Our painting depicts Vicelin (1086-1154), a German monk, missionary, and later Bishop of Oldenburg, renowned for his efforts to evangelise the Slavic people in northern Germany during the 12th century. Vicelin was best known for caring for the poor. He also founded several churches and monasteries in the region, including the Abbey of Neumünster. The poor people have no staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money. They rely on the generosity of the monks.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-9-1-6-2024/