Gospel in Art: Pentecost Sunday - Receive the Holy Spirit

Pentecost, Painting by Fray Juan Bautista Pastrana Maíno, Painted circa 1620, © Museo del Prado

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 8 June 2025
John 20:19-23

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'

Reflection on our painting

Today we celebrate Pentecost, the great feast marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fifty days after Easter. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth." It commemorates the moment when Christ, having risen and ascended, fulfilled his promise by sending the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. As Jesus says in the Gospel: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you"-and with that, he breathes the Spirit into them, equipping them for their mission to the world.

Throughout Christian art, the Holy Spirit is most often represented through powerful, elemental imagery: flames, wind, the breath of God, and the dove. In today's painting, we see a striking combination of these symbols. At the top, the dove hovers as a divine presence; from above, the wind seems to swirl and flow into the scene; and most vividly, tongues of flame rest upon the heads of the apostles and the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalen. These flames draw our attention first, they burn brightly as a visual reminder of God's nearness. Fire has long symbolised God's presence: from the burning bush in Exodus to the sanctuary lamp that flickers in our churches, or the small candle we light when we pray. Here, those flames announce again: God is here. The Spirit is alive. And the Church has been set ablaze.

Our painting by Fray Juan Bautista Maíno centres on the Virgin Mary, who is depicted with serene composure, surrounded by the apostles in varied states of awe and reverence. Mary Magdalen is by her side. Maíno's use of chiaroscuro, influenced by his exposure to Caravaggio during his time in Italy, enhances the dramatic effect of the scene. The apostles' expressive gestures and upward gazes convey a sense of wonder and divine inspiration. They have been set on fire. Through this painting, Maíno invites viewers to witness the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, marking the birth of the Church and its mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

So today, on this sacred feast of Pentecost, let us open our hearts wide, like the apostles did, and be set ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Let us go forth, emboldened, not to whisper the Gospel, but to proclaim it with courage, with joy, and with love, until the whole world is lit with the flame of God's truth.

We made a special video for today, looking at sacred music created for the Feast of Pentecost. Click here to watch our Pentecost video. See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LobvcLTgfE8

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-20-19-23-2025/ (with audio)