Gospel in Art: Jesus went throughout all the villages, teaching, healing,...

A Spring Cleaning, by Louis Gunnis, for The Illustrated London News, 27 April 1889 © Christian Art

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 7 July 2026
Matthew 9:32-38

At that time: Behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, 'Never was anything like this seen in Israel.' But the Pharisees said, 'He casts out demons by the prince of demons.'

And 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.'

Reflection on the engraving

We would probably all agree with the assessment of the people in today's gospel reading to the healing ministry of Jesus, 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel'. We might even go further and say: 'Nothing like this has ever been seen anywhere, anytime'. But what strikes me in today's reading is how Matthew presents Jesus as constantly moving from place to place: restoring the sick, giving voice to the voiceless, teaching in the synagogues, and proclaiming the coming of God's Kingdom. He is always on the go. And wherever He goes, He encounters people burdened by suffering, confusion, and uncertainty.

It is in that context that Jesus tells His disciples to pray for labourers for the harvest. The mission is simply too great for one person alone. While this prayer has traditionally inspired vocations to the priesthood and religious life (and rightly so), it also reminds us that every baptised Christian has a role to play in the work of the Gospel! So today is maybe a good day to pray for all the countless volunteers in our parishes who do so much for the life of the parish. Our parishes are sustained by the generosity of countless volunteers who quietly give their time and talents in service of others. Some welcome people at the church doors, others prepare the liturgy, arrange flowers, sing in the choir, maintain the gardens, clean the church, produce orders of service, or help behind the scenes in ways that often go unnoticed. Each contribution, however small it may seem, helps to build up the parish community and enables the mission of the Church to flourish.

I was recently amused to come across this charming print by late 19th century, British illustrator, Louis Gunnis titled 'Spring Clean'. It depicts a rather overenthusiastic cleaner who, in the course of a vigorous spring-cleaning session, appears to have dropped a precious cello into a tub of soapy water. The unfortunate musician standing in the background looks utterly horrified as he witnesses the disaster unfolding before his eyes. It is a delightful reminder that even the best intentions can occasionally go awry! I thought I would share this lighter touch today. Thankfully, most parish spring-cleaning efforts are rather more successful than the one captured in this humorous scene..., at least I hope so... :-)

LINKS

Christian Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reading: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-9-32-38-2026/