Gospel in Art: Saint Nicholas, Bishop

Saint Nicholas Saves Three Innocents from Death, by Ilya Repin, 1888 © State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia / Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 6 December 2025
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

At that time: Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.' And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, 'Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.'

Reflection on the painting

This striking painting by the Russian master Ilya Repin was commissioned by the Abbess of the Nicholas Convent in the village of Strelechie, Russia. Repin often visited the convent to see his cousin Emilia, who was a nun there, and he worked on this large canvas, over two metres high, for more than four years. The scene shows one of the great acts of Saint Nicholas (270-345 AD), during his time as bishop of Myra in Lycia (modern-day Antalya in Turkey). While travelling, Nicholas learned that the local governor, Eustathius (shown in the red cloak behind him) had accepted a bribe to condemn three innocent Christians to death. Nicholas rushed back to Myra and arrived just as the executioner was raising his sword. Repin captures the dramatic moment when the saint grasps the blade to stop the killing. The kneeling man in front and the two chained prisoners behind would later be freed.

Christian persecution was a reality in the early Church, and tragically, it remains a reality today. In the last decade alone, Christian persecutions have risen sharply. According to Aid to the Church in Need, around 340 million Christians, roughly one in every eight, live in places where they face harassment, violence, unjust imprisonment, or even death for their faith. Every day, at least eleven Christians are killed in the world's most hostile countries. These figures are sobering and heartbreaking.

Against this backdrop, today's Gospel reading challenges us deeply: "Pray for those who persecute you." Jesus loved to the very end. He did not condemn His executioners; He prayed for them. Today's reading invites us to do the same: to respond to injustice not with bitterness, but with Christ-like love.

Saint Nicholas became known as the patron saint of children largely because of the many legends that celebrate his extraordinary kindness and generosity towards children. One of the most famous stories tells how he secretly provided dowries for three poor sisters by dropping bags of gold through their window at night, saving them from a life of misery. Other traditions speak of him rescuing children from danger or miraculously restoring them to life. His reputation for quiet generosity grew across Europe, and by the Middle Ages children began receiving small gifts in his honour on 6th December, the date of his death and feast day. These gifts were meant to remind them of the saint's hidden kindness. Over time, this tender custom evolved into the tradition of St Nicholas - and later "Santa Claus" - bringing presents to children. The name "Santa Claus" comes directly from the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, "Sinterklaas," which English speakers gradually transformed into "Santa Claus."

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-9-35-10-1-5a-6-8-2025/