This week an image plays a significant role in Jesus’ teaching. In an attempt to cause difficulty, the Pharisees asked Jesus about paying taxes. He responded with
This week an image plays a significant role in Jesus’ teaching. In an attempt to cause difficulty, the Pharisees asked Jesus about paying taxes. He responded with the question about whose image was on the coin, and they replied that it was Caesar. Jesus then responded that they should repay to Caesar what belonged to him, and give to God the worship and obedience that belongs to God.
Religious images play a significant role in all major religions because they can teach and evoke responses in ways more powerful than words.
These images have an aesthetic value, adding beauty to a home or to the worship space. They also have also a catechetical purpose.
From the time of the catacombs in the second and third century, Christians have used visual symbols and images to remember elements of our tradition, to describe God or to show how God acted in peoples’ lives. When Christians saw paintings of Noah and the flood or Moses striking the rock to produce water, they recalled God’s constant care for them, provided through the leaders he gave. Images of Jesus with the children on his lap recalled his teachings about the trusting open attitude we should have toward God. The mosaic of Jesus with sheep and a staff called to mind the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep.
The eastern churches use a special form of image called an icon. Many of the earliest religious icons were developed to depict authentic teaching, especially during the confusion created by the Christological controversies of the second and third centuries. The designs are often abstract and the figures seem “flat,” lacking the usual dimensions found in paintings. This is intentional, because the icon is meant to represent a spiritual, rather than a physical reality.
Statues and images also have a devotional purpose. The guardian angel picture over the child’s crib, wearing a medal of St. Thérèse, the crucifix on the classroom wall or a statute of your patron saint are all invitations to prayer. We don’t pray “to” the images or statues, but we pray before them. They serve as reminders of the virtues particular saints practiced.
In choosing religious images for our churches, whether in mosaics, statues or stained glass, it’s important that the art be of good quality, appropriate in size, proportion and placement, accurately convey the truths of our faith and call us to authentic devotion. The same is true of the art we choose for our homes.
This week, before or after Mass, look at the church windows and the statues and images in your church. See how many Scripture passages are depicted. What do they reveal about God and the church? How do they lead you to a deeper understanding of our faith and a deeper connection with God?
Sr. Rehrauer is the diocesan director of Evangelization, Living Justice and Worship.
