Gospel in Art: Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket?

The Penitent Magdalen, by Georges de La Tour, 1640 © The Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 29 January 2026
Mark 4:21-25

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd, 'Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.' And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.'

Reflection on the painting

Jesus was an artist. He was a master at painting images in our minds. He often teaches by using simple, everyday images, and in today's Gospel he offers us the image of a lamp. He reminds us that no one lights a lamp only to hide it under a tub or tuck it away beneath a bed. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand, where its light can fill the room and serve those who are gathered there. In this short parable, Jesus is speaking about the light of faith placed within us. It is not something private or concealed, but something meant to be visible, shared, and life-giving. The Church, and each of us as members of it, is called to be a light, allowing the presence of Christ to shine through the world.

This image challenges us though to consider what kind of Church we are becoming. A Church that hides its light, absorbed by its own fears or difficulties, failures in its mission. Or a Church that turns outward, open and generous, being a beacon for others. When we dare to witness the Gospel with courage, the light grows stronger rather than weaker. And the more freely we share the light we have received, the more brightly it will burn, the more it will attract people to the Church.

Our painting by Georges de La Tour shows a penitent Mary Magdalene seated in deep darkness, illuminated by a single candle. The light is small, fragile, and yet it transforms everything: her face, her posture, her whole inner world. Nothing dramatic happens, and yet everything changes by a single flame. It is a perfect visual echo of Jesus' parable: the light is not hidden, not spectacular, but placed where it can quietly reveal Truth. The painting reminds us that faith does not shine by noise or force, but by being faithfully set alight... and once lit, even a single flame can draw others out of the darkness. Mary Magdalene is further shown with a mirror, symbol of vanity; a skull, emblem of mortality; and the candle that references her spiritual enlightenment.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-4-21-25-2026/