The first time I saw the picture, it took my breath away...
I'd read in the Gospel accounts how Christ hadn't answered Caiaphas, the High Priest, after he had been betrayed by Judas and captured in the Garden of Gethsemane. I hadn't given much consideration to the fact that Jesus was silent in the face of the false accusations.
Looking at the picture, I could suddenly see that Christ's silence radiates power. Caiaphas is supposedly the one in charge by virtue of his office, but Christ's silence appears to make him uncomfortable, challenging him to recognise that the accusations are false. I get the feeling that, the longer Christ stands there, saying nothing, the more pricked Caiaphas' conscience becomes, the angrier he gets, and the more determined he becomes to rid himself of this man who dares to challenge his authority. And Jesus stands there, in silence.
This is also, I think, the true depiction of meekness: we have been conditioned to think of meekness as synonymous with weakness and lack of spirit. On the contrary, true meekness involves self-mastery and strength of character - something exemplified by Van Honthorst's masterpiece.
2 comments:
Are we likewise advised, or recommended, or required, to stay silent? Our Lord seems to have waved His right to a good name, free from calumny.
Would it be a virtue to even 'adjust' one's account of an altercation, so that one's detractor comes off in a more favourable light to a third party?
We must never lie.
I also do not think we are required to stay silent when falsly accused.
However, St Therese of Lisieux would accept the blame for things she hadn't done.
I think, provided it does not cause scandal, one can remain silent in the face of false accusations.
When I say "can" I mean it is permissible... whether one is able to do so is another matter.
Post a Comment