Gospel in Art: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you

The Trinity, by Laurent Girardin, 1460, oil on panel © Cleveland Museum of Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 28 May 2025
John 16:12-15

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.'

Reflection on the painting

The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once wrote, "Hell is other people." While the phrase is often quoted, it captures a deeply cynical view of human relationships. And yet, there are moments in life when such a sentiment can feel all too relatable, especially after prolonged periods of hurt, betrayal, or frustration with others. In those times, the idea of isolation may seem attractive, even redemptive-a peaceful escape from the complications of human connection. We may start to imagine heaven as a place of serene solitude, just me and my thoughts, far from the chaos of others. But the truth is, even the most introverted among us long for companionship. We are not made for isolation. Deep down, we know we are only fully ourselves when we are in relationship to others. If we reflect on the happiest moments of our lives, most will involve moments spent with friends and family. Despite living in an age of heightened individualism, something within us insists that we are not islands.

And this longing for relationship reflects something even truer of God. At the very heart of God's nature is not isolation, but communion. God is not a solitary being; He is a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, united in a perfect, eternal relationship of love. This divine community is not closed or exclusive, it is radically open. The love shared between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit overflows and reaches out to include us. Today's Gospel offers a beautiful glimpse into this mystery, as Jesus speaks intimately of His Father and of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He reveals that God's deepest desire is not distance but closeness, not detachment but union.

This sacred mystery is captured in our painted panel by Laurent Girardin, created around 1460 in Lyon, France. The painting depicts the Holy Trinity in a striking composition: God the Father, wearing a papal tiara and a richly embroidered cope of crimson velvet adorned with gold pomegranate patterns, supports the crucified Christ, His Son, with the Holy Spirit hovering above as a dove. The grandeur of the Father's vestments, paired with the profound suffering of the Son, creates a tension between majesty and sacrifice. Surrounding them are radiant cherubim. This artwork invites us not just to look upon a theological truth, but to stand in awe of a divine relationship: a communion of love that calls us not into isolation, but into the very heart of God Himself.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-16-12-15-2025/ (with audio)

Note: Dear Readers - In case you are feeling a bit of 'deja vu' with this page - don't worry. Yesterday I posted up today's page - and it was on the site for a few hours before a kind reader pointed out that the date was wrong - and we were able to change it.)