Gospel in Art: Keep your lamps burning

The wise and the foolish virgin, by Jan Adam Kruseman, 1848 © Jan Cunen Museum, Oss, Netherlands

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 21 October 2025
Luke 12:35-38

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service, and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!'

Reflection on the painting

'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning' are the starting words in our Gospel reading.

Our painting by the Dutch artist Jan Kruseman brings to life the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgin stands alert, lamp burning, jar of oil ready at her side. Beside her, the foolish virgin slumps in sleep, her lamp extinguished, clinging instead to her pearls, symbols of worldly vanity. One looks outward with purpose, the other inward with complacency, simply falling asleep.

The Gospel is a summons to be prepared and remain faithful. Yet faithfulness is never easy. It calls for discipline, perseverance, and the courage to hold fast to God through the routines and trials of daily life. In a culture that prizes personal freedom and instant gratification above long-term fidelity, our call as Christians is countercultural. If we hope to hand on the faith to our children and young people, then we must first embody it ourselves: living lamps, burning steadily with the light of Christ, and keeping them burning through practising our faith.

Furthermore, Jesus gives us the striking image of a master who returns from a wedding feast and, finding his servants faithful and ready, puts on an apron and serves them. It is a picture of God's surprising generosity: if we remain steadfast, keeping our lamps lit, the Lord will do amazing things for us, serving us in ways beyond our expectation and filling our lives with his grace. We will then truly experience his unconventional generosity.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-12-35-38-2025/