Gospel in Art: The word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me

The Fog Warning, by Winslow Homer 1885 Oil on canvas © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 25 May 2025
John 14:23-29

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

'These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, "I am going away, and I will come to you." If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.'

Reflection on the painting

Our Gospel reading today takes place on the evening before Jesus' death. He is saying farewell to his disciples, as his physical presence with them draws to a close. He tells them that his words and teachings are not his own, but come from his Father. I'm currently reading a book by Peter Kreeft, Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings (Word on Fire, 2021). In it, he reflects on this very Gospel passage and writes:

"Jesus says that his word, his teaching, is not his but his Father's. Jesus was the greatest plagiarist in history, the least original thinker in history. Every thought in his mind came from his Father's mind. He was also the most creative and original person in history. If you want to be creative and original, Jesus shows you the secret. He is the Logos, the Mind of God."

In his typically accessible yet profound style, Kreeft touches on the deep richness of God's word. It is our inexhaustible source of life. Even after two thousand years, we have only begun to scratch the surface of the words and teachings of Jesus and his Father. Kreeft likens it to the sea: we may see only the surface, yet beneath lies immense depth and abundance. We are all invited to fish and dive into that sea to discover its riches.

This is what we are called to do-like the man in Winslow Homer's painting The Fog Warning: to take our little boats out into deep waters and fish for the life that lies hidden below the waves. Yes, the journey may bring storms, and we may sometimes feel alone in our vessels, but the discoveries waiting for us are truly magnificent. In our painting, we see a weather-beaten fisherman rowing alone in a small wooden boat. He glances anxiously over his shoulder towards a larger, more secure ship in the distance, with fog beginning to roll in behind it. The sea is choppy, a wave lifts the bow of his boat, and two large halibut weigh down the stern, preventing it from capsizing. Homer learned from the fishermen he knew that halibut fishing was among the most dangerous, requiring long journeys into the open sea. It was a risky business.

So is our faith! It is a risky business. To follow Christ is to set out into deep, sometimes uncertain waters. But the deeper we go, the more we discover the beauty, mystery, and depths of God's word.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-14-23-29-2025/ (with audio)