Spirit by Timothy Flach 2010 © Tim Flach and Christie’s London, May 15, 2013, lot 108
Source: Christian Art
Gospel of May 4, 2021 – Matthew 10: 17-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of people: they will hand you over to the Sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. For my sake you will be dragged before governors and kings to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. But if they turn you up, don’t care how to speak or what to say; what you have to say will be given to you when the time comes; because you won’t speak; the spirit of your father will speak in you. ‘
Reflection on the photo
Tim Flach is a London based wildlife photographer. This photo of a pigeon is really exquisite in my opinion. About this picture Tim said: “Although pigeons are widespread, they hold a special place in our minds and in our myths. Their whiteness and apparent innocence … have fostered an association with innocence that was taken as a symbol of everything from the Holy Spirit in Christian mythology to fertility in Greco-Roman culture. The dove also appears in Islam and whispers in Mohammed’s ear as an oracle “.
Depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove is probably the most common depiction in art history, alongside the Holy Spirit depicted as flames hovering over saints. In today’s reading, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will speak in us if we want to bear witness to Christ. These words reverberate today in our highly secularized society. As Christians, it can be daunting or even scary to talk about our faith. In a world that is increasingly hostile to the public expression of religious belief, Jesus encourages us that the Holy Spirit will give us inspiration, wisdom, and even the words to help us express our faith. This can only happen if we really and sincerely believe it.
Jesus knows us so well. He knows that it is easy for us to hide our beliefs. We are tempted to tone it down publicly for fear of being ridiculed or even killed in some parts of the world. However, with the power of the Holy Ghost, we can stand firm and have confidence to boldly share the good news.
LEFT
Today’s story – https://christian.art/de/daily-gospel-reading/795
Christian Art – www.christian.art/index.p8
Tags: Christian Art, Patrick van der Vorst, Timothy Flach
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