Universal Humanity
“What is man, that you are mindful of him; the son of man, that you visit him?”
Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Christ Blessing the Children" offers a powerful visual meditation on this week’s Gospel passage. This 16th century northern Renaissance painting captures a tender moment between Jesus and young children, illustrating His love, compassion, and the importance He placed on childlike faith. Jesus is seated centrally, surrounded by mothers bringing their children to him. His demeanor is gentle and his gestures welcoming: a sharp contrast sharply with the stern faces of the disciples, who are shown attempting to turn the children away. This juxtaposition beautifully captures Jesus' rebuke to His disciples: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Cranach's attention to detail is evident in the varied expressions and poses of the children. Some approach Jesus eagerly, while others cling shyly to their mothers, reflecting the range of responses we might have when approaching our Savior. The artist's use of vibrant colors and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws the viewer into this intimate scene.
As we reflect on this painting, we're reminded of Jesus' words about the importance of childlike faith. In our often-cynical world, this artwork serves as a beautiful reminder to approach God with the trust, openness, and wonder of a child. It challenges us to examine our own faith and ask: Are we coming to Jesus with the simple, pure faith of these children?
O Lord our Governor, how excellent is your Name in all the world; you have set your glory above the heavens!
- Psalm 8:1
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in continual godliness, that through your protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly serve you in good works, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scriptures
Genesis 2:18–24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 2
Mark 10:2–16
Song of the Universal
Ola Gjeilo's choral composition "Song of the Universal” sets to music a poem by the 19th C American poet and philosopher, Walt Whitman. The song resonates deeply with themes of unity, hope, and the divine presence in all things.
Whitman's poem, and by extension Gjeilo's composition, speaks of a universal song that connects all of creation. It echoes the sentiments found in our Psalm for this week, Psalm 8, which celebrates the majesty of God's creation and humanity's place within it. The music swells with the lines "Come said the Muse, Sing me a song no poet yet has chanted," inviting us to join in a new, joyous proclamation of faith.
Gjeilo's musical setting enhances the power of Whitman's words. The piece begins softly, building gradually in complexity and volume, mirroring the way the poem expands from individual experience to encompass all of humanity and creation. The interplay between voices creates a sense of conversation and community, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things in God's creation.
As the music unfolds, we're reminded of our role as stewards of creation and our connection to all of humanity. It invites us to see the divine in the everyday, to recognize the "universal song” playing out in our daily lives. It challenges us to listen more closely to the world around us and to add our own voices to this grand, cosmic hymn.
