Mary of Magdala, Meditation Day Thirteen
Studying the pictureThe Gospel story of Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha is here presented as an intimate scene by Jan Vermeer. Like other Dutch painters of his time, Vermeer chose to depict familiar scenes in the homes of ordinary people. Christ and the two women disciples form a close-knit family. They love each other’s company. Christ said: “Make your home in me, as I have made mine in you” (John 15,4). Living in each other. He in you, you in him. Nestling in each other’s arms, in each other’s bodies. A deeply moving image, or a reality? I do not know how many down-and-outs there are in your neighbourhood. Have you never wondered when you draw the curtains on a stormy night or when the temperature drops way below zero, where these people would have to pass the coming night? To have a home to return to. Living not only with each other but in each other. Finding someone at home waiting for you. Who has prepared supper. Who says: “Take a rest, you need it.” And you have the same attitude towards him. When he comes home tired. When he comes with a request for help. When he wants you to be still and listen. |  Christ in the house of Martha and Mary. Painting by J. Vermeer in the Netherlands (1632-75). |
Reflection“Whoever remains in me, with me in him, | |