Gospel in Art: Jesus went up on the mountain by himself to pray

A hermit at prayer by Jan Adriaensz van Staveren, 1660 © Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 3 August 2026
Matthew 14:22-36

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent word around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Reflection on the painting

Today's Gospel reveals three beautiful ways of praying, each unfolding at a different moment in the story. Together they form a complete picture of the Christian life!

First, we see Jesus withdrawing alone to the mountain to pray. After the demands of the day and the crowds that surrounded him, he seeks silence and solitude with his Father. Nothing is asked for; there is simply loving communion between them both. Just spending time with God. Christian artists have often depicted Christ alone in the wilderness or on a mountainside, reminding us that prayer begins not with words, but with presence. Before we speak to God, we learn simply to be with him.

Next comes Peter's cry from the stormy waters: "Lord, save me!" It is perhaps the shortest prayer in the Gospels, yet one of the most powerful. Peter has stepped out in faith, but fear overwhelms him and he begins to sink. We all recognise that experience. There are moments when life's difficulties threaten to engulf us, when our confidence disappears and we have little strength left. In those moments, even a heartfelt cry is enough. Christ immediately reaches out his hand. Throughout Christian art, this scene has inspired artists because it captures the tenderness of God, who never ignores the sincere cry of someone in need.

Finally, when the wind has fallen and peace returns, the disciples worship Jesus, proclaiming, "Truly, you are the Son of God." Their fear gives way to wonder, and petition becomes praise. Gratitude naturally follows every encounter with God's saving presence. This movement, from silent communion, through trusting petition, to joyful praise, is the rhythm of every healthy spiritual life! We all find it easy to cry out when we are struggling. Yet today's Gospel gently invites us also to make time for quiet contemplation and for heartfelt thanksgiving.

Our quiet, small painting draws us into the hidden world of the Christian hermit. Alone in his rocky refuge, the elderly monk kneels before a crucifix, his hands folded in prayer beside an open Bible. Around him are simple objects that speak of a life stripped to its essentials: a skull and hourglass remind him of the brevity of earthly life, while the extinguished lantern suggests that every earthly light eventually fades. Yet the Cross before him is the one light that never goes out. Dutch artist Jan Adriaensz van Staveren one of Rembrandt's followers, painted several hermit scenes during his career, fascinated by the beauty of a life devoted entirely to contemplation. With extraordinary precision and intimacy, he transforms what might seem an ordinary moment of prayer into a profound meditation on eternity, reminding us that the greatest conversations often take place in silence, when the soul is alone with God.

LINKS

Christian Art: www.christian.art
Today's image: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-14-22-36-2026/