There have been many folks who are quite upset about a particular moment in the Olympics Opening Ceremony. Initially, I admit, I was a bit taken back. However, as has become my recent practice on social media, I thought, “There is likely more to this story.”
It turns out, that there is a famous painting entitled, “The Feast of the Gods”, by Johann Rottenhammer and Jan Bruegel from around 1602. This painting hangs in the Louvre.
Also, as I have read more, the table imagery that we have become accustomed to seeing in DaVinci’s “The Last Supper,” was a quite common setting for Renaissance painters.
I definitely do not like it when my faith is mocked. Too often, recently, many of us are taking offense at things that are not about our faith. It seems that we are holding on to some sort of edge that has us ready to pounce with rage and malice toward a perceived enemy. This sadly shows us something about ourselves. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. When people who claim to follow Christ are not exhibiting these qualities, then it demonstrates that we are not keeping in step with the Spirit.
In this day and age of immediate response and social megaphones, let us lean into self-control during “viral” moments. Let us remember well, Proverbs 17:28, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Perhaps in this particular moment it will be helpful to remember another Proverb, Proverb 18:2, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (Really this one applies to much of our social media interactions!)
