Gospel in Art: It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones should perish

The Emigrant Ship (also known as 'Goodbye'), by Charles Joseph Staniland, 1878 © Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford Museums and Galleries

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 9 December 2025
Matthew 18:12-14

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: 'What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Reflection on the painting

Today's gospel reading presents the parable often referred to as the Parable of the Lost Sheep. However, it might be more aptly named the Parable of the Devoted Shepherd. The shepherd is depicted not only as dedicated to the flock as a whole but as deeply attentive to the individual sheep. When one sheep strays, becoming exposed to danger, this single sheep takes precedence over the ninety-nine that remain safely together. The shepherd's commitment to the lost sheep reflects its immense value in his eyes, as shown by his joy upon finding and restoring it to the flock.

For Jesus, the shepherd symbolises God's boundless care for us. The Lord treasures us as individuals, with all our uniqueness, and seeks us out especially when we are at our most vulnerable. In contrast, many political and institutional leaders, both in the past and in our own time, have often prioritised the collective-be it the nation, the party, or the institution-over the needs of the individual. Institutional priorities have sometimes overshadowed care for the most vulnerable. Yet, Jesus' approach was radically different: he recognised that by tending to the needs of the individual, particularly the most fragile, the wider community is strengthened and allowed to flourish.

In a world filled with overwhelming challenges, it is so easy to feel powerless. Yet, like the shepherd in the parable, we are reminded that we can always walk alongside and support a vulnerable person, especially during this time of Advent.

Probably the most vulnerable nowadays are the refugees, especially during these cold Winter days. Charles Joseph Staniland's 1878 painting The Emigrant Ship is an evocative portrayal of the emotional farewells that accompanied the mass emigrations from Britain during that era. The scene captures a poignant moment on the dockside, where a diverse group of onlookers-women, children, and an elderly man, possibly a shepherd-bid adieu to departing loved ones. The painting reflects the widespread emigration of the time, driven by economic hardships and the search for better opportunities abroad. Staniland, born in Hull, may have drawn inspiration from his own observations of such departures. His attention to the emotional depth of the characters invites us to contemplate the personal stories behind the mass movements of people seeking new lives overseas. Little has changed in the modern world, as countless people still board boats in search of a better life. However, today, they often embark on much smaller and less seaworthy vessels, facing perilous journeys in some of the most insecure and desperate conditions imaginable. We pray for them.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-18-12-14-2025/