Gospel in Art: As soon as you see a tree bud, you know that summer is near

A Masque for the Four Seasons, by Walter Crane, 1905 © Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt, Germany

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 29 November 2024
Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable: 'Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.'

Reflection on the painting

The Gospel reading begins with a reference to one of the signs of summer's arrival in the land of Jesus: the budding of the fig tree. When its branches begin to sprout, people know that summer is near. For us, however, summer feels far away, as we are currently surrounded by the signs of autumn. The vibrant autumnal colours remind us that this season will soon give way to the chills of winter. Only with the arrival of March will we begin to notice the first signs of the coming summer, as the earliest trees begin to bud. The seasons come and go, constantly shifting, much like the changes in our world and in our own lives. Everything around us changes.

Yet, at the end of the Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of something unchanging: 'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.' The Lord has entrusted us with the enduring gift of his word, preserved in the Scriptures, particularly in the New Testament and the four Gospels. This eternal word is more than just text; it is a revelation of the Lord Himself, who never changes and is always present with us-in every season, in every moment, in times of joy and in times of challenge.

Walter Crane's A Masque for the Four Seasons (1905) is an allegorical painting that personifies the seasons through richly detailed female dancing figures. Each season is represented by a distinct character, reflecting the cyclical nature of time and the beauty of each phase of the year. From left to right we first see Spring as youthful figure adorned with flowers, symbolising renewal and rebirth. Pastel colours and fresh blooms dominate this section, evoking the vibrancy and innocence of early growth. Then we have Summer, a mature figure with a radiant demeanour, surrounded by flowers which are at their tallest and most blossoming. Autumn is our third figure. Depicted as a slightly older figure, she is holding a basket of grapevines, surrounded by sunflowers and orange trees. The autumnal colours surrounding the figure are warmer and richer. And then on the far right we see Winter as an elderly figure, cloaked in dark or muted tones, representing the end of the cycle. Bare branches, frost, and snow appear in this section, highlighting themes of rest and endurance. We also see a flute player in the background. The flute player could represent the orchestrator of the seasons, playfully setting the tone for their harmonious progression.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-21-29-33-2024/