Gospel in Art: Judge not, that you be not judged

The Council of the Royal Academy selecting Pictures for the Exhibition by Charles West Cope © Royal Academy of Arts, London / Google Arts

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 23 June 2025
Matthew 7:1-5

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye", when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.'

Reflection on the painting

Our painting by Charles West Cope offers a fascinating glimpse into the Council of the Royal Academy as they deliberate over submissions for the 1875 Summer Exhibition. The scene captures a moment of scrutiny: artists present their work, hoping for selection, while the assembled Academicians cast judgment. Since its inception in 1769, the Royal Academy's exhibition, now known as the Summer Exhibition, has been an open-submission show, giving a platform to both renowned artists and hopeful newcomers. Yet, the process is highly competitive: today, over 15,000 works are submitted each year, and roughly 95% are rejected. These decisions, made by a handful of experts, determine which creations are deemed worthy of public view.

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks about judgment. Not judgement of art, but of judgement of each other. He challenges the deeply ingrained habit we all share: the tendency to judge others quickly and harshly, whether it's politicians, neighbours, or even loved ones. His warning about focusing on the speck in another's eye while ignoring the plank in our own is more than just poetic; it's painfully true. Like a speck of dust that clouds our vision, our judgmental attitudes blur our ability to see others, and ourselves, clearly. Jesus invites us to a posture of humility: to recognise our own flaws first, and to approach others not with condemnation, but with mercy and understanding.

In the world of art, judgement is not only necessary, it is essential. Competitions, exhibitions, and commissions all rely on a process of discernment and evaluation. At the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition, through careful judgement, a select few pieces are chosen. This process allows the most accomplished or promising works to come to the fore, giving both artists and audiences the chance to encounter excellence. Such judgement serves a clear and constructive purpose: to elevate quality and encourage artistic growth. But the kind of judgement Jesus warns against in today's Gospel is of an entirely different nature. He speaks not of thoughtful discernment, but of the harsh, hasty, and often self-righteous condemnation of others-a kind of judgement that stems not from purpose, but from pride.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-7-1-5-2025/ (with audio)