Gospel in Art: You are the light of the world

The Anglepoise, designed by George Carwardine, 1932 © Design Museum, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 10 June 2025
Matthew 5:13-16

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.'

Reflection on the Desktop Lamp

I am sure many of you are familiar with this iconic desk lamp - the Anglepoise. It was designed in 1932 by George Carwardine, an automotive engineer whose fascination with mechanics led him to invent something revolutionary: a lamp that could be adjusted in every conceivable direction and, crucially, remain perfectly balanced in place. Its breakthrough lay in the use of a unique system of springs and levers, allowing the user to reposition the lamp without the need to tighten or fasten anything. The secret to the lamp's enduring success lies in its four finely tuned springs. Carwardine partnered with Herbert Terry & Sons, expert spring manufacturers, to develop his concept, brilliantly combining functional beauty with engineering precision.

We are surrounded by art every day, whether we realise it or not. From the music we hear, the books we read, the television we watch, the posters and advertisements in our streets, to something as humble as a flower arrangement in church. Art is all around us. It's not confined to galleries or concert halls. It includes both "high art", such as painting, sculpture, poetry, sacred music, and the everyday creativity of industrial design, like this lamp. One of the treasures of our Catholic tradition is its embrace of all forms of beauty, from the soaring masterpieces of Michelangelo to the modest, even kitschy, religious souvenirs that somehow still help us pray. If it lifts the heart to God, it has value.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us, "No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but on a stand." His words, taken almost literally, remind us that hiding a well-designed lamp, like the Anglepoise, under a table or bed would be utterly pointless. Yes, its design is elegant and visually pleasing, but its real worth lies in the light it gives, the way it illuminates everything it touches. So too with our faith: it is not meant to be hidden, but to shine. We are called not just to possess the light of Christ, but to radiate it, clearly, confidently, and without fear.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-5-13-16-2025-2/ (with audio)