Gospel in Art: I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth

Roots, by Erika Pochybova-Johnson © Erika Pochybova-Johnson, all rights reserved

Gospel of 16 July 2025
Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

Reflection on the painting

In today’s fast-paced world, the virtue of discernment is often neglected. Faced with important choices, we may be tempted to grasp at quick, superficial answers instead of taking the time to seek deeper, wiser ones. Yet when it comes to life’s significant decisions, whether about vocation, relationships, or purpose, we need to adopt a much slower rhythm, one that allows space for reflection and prayer.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus praises those who approach God with the trust and simplicity of little children. This is the key to discernment. Like a child leaning on the love and wisdom of a parent, we are called to trust in the quiet, calm guidance of the Father. When we surrender our need for control and listen with childlike openness, the path before us begins to clear. We no longer rely solely on our own reasoning, but allow God to shape our understanding and direct our steps.

To discern rightly is therefore to become deeply rooted in Christ, and this takes time. Just as we cannot force a seed to grow into a strong tree overnight, neither can we rush spiritual growth or clarity in discernment. Some trees take twenty years to mature fully, and so it is with the life of the soul. Patience and trust are essential, for what matters most is not rapid progress, but establishing firm roots, roots of quiet surrender. Without them, no lasting growth is possible. But when those roots run deep, the fruits will follow in due season. From that rooted place, the answers we seek will not only become clearer, but will be grounded in the love and wisdom of the One who knows us best.

Painter Erika Pochybova-Johnson is a self-taught artist who infuses her works with a bursts of colour and joyful energy. In her series of tree paintings, she makes a striking point: the true explosion of colour is found not in the branches, but in the roots hidden beneath the soil. Beneath the surface, she paints a vivid, thriving world, reminding us that unseen foundations are what give life and strength to what appears above. Just as spiritual discernment requires deep, unseen roots in Christ, so too do her trees draw their life from what is first established below. The painting also makes us rethink about judging a book by its cover or, more aptly, a tree by its branches. The branches on our tree are not blossoming (yet), but beneath the surface a rich, vibrant life is unfolding.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today’s Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-25-27-2025/(with audio)

New Video: The Face of Christ: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52811