The Sower
Vincent Van Gough, 1888
“A beautiful gesture offered by the sower is one of letting go. Casting the golden seeds on the purple ground is more than just a perfunctory act—it is letting go, literally and figuratively, so that these seeds may find good soil and so that new life may emerge. Jesus’ words from the Gospel echo throughout the painting: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Death here pertains to the seed, to Jesus foreshadowing his own Passion, and to each of us facing finitude, both daily and at the end of our lives. Yet, the seeds which the sower drops are golden, reflecting the large sun dominating the back of the image and reflecting the eternal life of the divine. In the field, the sower carries on, even as he nears the tree, with determination, resolve, and hope.” Commentary is by Daniella Zsupan-Jerome, assistant professor of liturgy, catechesis, and evangelization at Loyola University New Orleans.
In preparation for this Sunday, I was sent a wonderful link that I wish to share. The quote above is from this site. Loyola Press offers a weekly art reflection that, if you are enjoying the Gospel According to Art, you may wish to check out. I include the link below. It also has a great description of this week’s artwork to watch and learn from.
What are things within your own life that need to be “let go?” What things need to “die” in order for new life to emerge?
For further facts on this painting see: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/arts-and-faith-for-lent/cycle-b/arts-and-faith-week-5-of-lent-cycle-b/
To explore the Loyola Fine Arts site, see: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/arts-and-faith/
