Open Your Mind, by Mr Brainwash (born 1966), Executed in 2021 Limited edition print © Mr Brainwash
Source: Christian Art
Gospel of 26 January 2024
Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’
He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’
Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.
Reflection on the Street Artwork
In our Gospel reading today, Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God. The image he uses is that of a mustard seed. A mustard seed is, he says, the smallest of all seeds, and yet when it grows, it can become a large and lavish plant. We are like the tiny mustard seed. We may think of ourselves as small, insignificant and unable to make a difference, and yet Jesus boosts our outlook today by saying that we too can make a difference in our world. Our smallest efforts can grow and produce abundant fruit.
This process of growing can only start by first appreciating what we already have. In order for the mustard seed to grow, we have to realise first that we all have been given a mustard seed in the first place! As we are now at the end of January, we are coming towards the end of still wishing people a ‘happy new year’. The artwork prompts us to do exactly what we have been talking about: appreciating what we already have.
The text in the artwork is self-explanatory. The Gospel reading is pretty well self-explanatory too. Our artist, Mr Brainwash, was born Thierry Guetta in Garges-lès-Gonesse, France, in 1966. Before entering the art scene, he worked in the fashion industry and ran a vintage clothing store. Guetta’s entry into the world of street art was facilitated by his cousin, the street artist Invader. Mr Brainwash was also featured in the documentary film “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” directed by Banksy. This film prominently features Mr Brainwash’s transformation to becoming a prominent street artist.
LINKS
Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today’s Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-4-26-34-2024/