I have always thought of this painting as the painting of the hands. Jesus’ call, his hand, is mimicked by Peter’s. The Church’s call is the same as Jesus’ call to conversion. The hand pointing to Matthew, the youth with his head down, almost saying … “you mean him, not me.” These are the hands of those who resist the call or prevent the sinners return. Then there are the two hands on the money, one hand belongs to Matthew who may be letting go and the other hand of the man with glasses, pulling the money back toward himself. The one hears the call of the Lord, the second grasps at the money echoing the call of the world.
With Caravaggio, you do follow the light along the pathway of the hands.
I love the analysis of the painting. One of the most liberating aspects of Lutheran theology is the doctrine of vocation – the understanding that God works through ordinary people in their everyday callings. This stands in stark contrast to contemporary ideas about finding one's "purpose" through some extraordinary achievement or mystical inner calling.
Luther taught that God works as a "mask" through everyday Christians serving in their various stations – parent, worker, neighbor, citizen. Within the broader umbrella of Christian love, these masks extend beyond formal biblical vocations to encompass all acts of service toward our neighbors. While this service often appears mundane, it is through these ordinary acts that God accomplishes His extraordinary work in the world.
I have some family that are Lutheran and they definitely talk a lot of about vocation. Bishop Barron speaks about this a lot in the post-Vatican II view of mission with the laity and the “universal call to holiness.”
He posted on X:
“Friends, there’s so much to say about Thomas More, but one aspect of his life I want to highlight is that he was a layman. Vatican II talks about the sanctification of the world through the laity. Look no further than the example of Thomas More.”
I have always thought of this painting as the painting of the hands. Jesus’ call, his hand, is mimicked by Peter’s. The Church’s call is the same as Jesus’ call to conversion. The hand pointing to Matthew, the youth with his head down, almost saying … “you mean him, not me.” These are the hands of those who resist the call or prevent the sinners return. Then there are the two hands on the money, one hand belongs to Matthew who may be letting go and the other hand of the man with glasses, pulling the money back toward himself. The one hears the call of the Lord, the second grasps at the money echoing the call of the world.
With Caravaggio, you do follow the light along the pathway of the hands.
The question is… whose hands are yours?
I’ve read a lot of debate on what’s going on this image & it just shows what a magnificent piece of art work. I never tire looking at it.
But the hands are crucial as you highlight, I’ve never paid much attention to Peter’s hand. Thank you for pointing it out to me.
I love the analysis of the painting. One of the most liberating aspects of Lutheran theology is the doctrine of vocation – the understanding that God works through ordinary people in their everyday callings. This stands in stark contrast to contemporary ideas about finding one's "purpose" through some extraordinary achievement or mystical inner calling.
Luther taught that God works as a "mask" through everyday Christians serving in their various stations – parent, worker, neighbor, citizen. Within the broader umbrella of Christian love, these masks extend beyond formal biblical vocations to encompass all acts of service toward our neighbors. While this service often appears mundane, it is through these ordinary acts that God accomplishes His extraordinary work in the world.
I have some family that are Lutheran and they definitely talk a lot of about vocation. Bishop Barron speaks about this a lot in the post-Vatican II view of mission with the laity and the “universal call to holiness.”
He posted on X:
“Friends, there’s so much to say about Thomas More, but one aspect of his life I want to highlight is that he was a layman. Vatican II talks about the sanctification of the world through the laity. Look no further than the example of Thomas More.”
&
https://youtu.be/hvUaSMZPJHc?si=VNQYj44X6T71jtB6
Scriptural passages that provide a basis for this teaching:
• 1 Corinthians 7:17: “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”
• This verse highlights that every occupation can be a calling from God.
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
• This verse underscores that our daily work is part of God's plan for us.