Faith and Reason

Friday, March 8, 2024 12:00 pm EST

Theology and Marketing major Kolton Koubsky ’24 presents Jacopo Aigoni’s masterpiece, The Adoration of the Magi, painted in the early 18th century. Amid the intellectual shift from the 17th to the 18th century, advocates of rational thinking aimed to establish a balance between ideas rooted in empirical evidence from nature and the prevailing authority of theology.

The art showcased in the Raclin galleries from this era mirrors this conflict between a profound appreciation for the classical past and the simultaneous aspiration to break free from it. The emotional vigor of religious art and the allure of Roman landscapes are tempered by a call to reassess nature and revisit history.

Upon examining this specific artwork, we observe the Magi depicted in remarkably realistic ways. For instance, the elderly figure in the foreground dons regal attire, yet the signs of aging and frailty are unmistakable. Similarly, their gifts are portrayed realistically, envisioning how they would appear and feel in real life.

These gifts help us make the connection to Lent. Even in the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, his mission is already becoming clear. The gold signifies his kingship and divine authority, while the burning frankincense calls to mind that he is someone who answers prayers that rise to heaven. Finally, the myrrh reminds us that Jesus comes to earth to suffer, die, and be anointed at his burial.

Lent is a time to help us understand God’s mission for each of us. While we may not be visited by wise men with precious gifts, we are given an abundance of blessings each day. How can we better recognize these gifts and respond, like the Magi, with generous hearts?

This Lent, ThinkND invites you to join FaithND and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art for a journey of Lenten discovery through some of the most significant liturgical paintings in the Raclin Murphy collection, challenging you to contemplate prayer, fasting, sinfulness, mercy, grace, and God’s infinite love from the perspectives of the artist’s gaze. To subscribe to the FaithND Daily Gospel Reflection visit faith.nd.edu/signup.