Sunday, July 26, 2026
Sunday Reflection: The bombshell
Many of us are familiar with Da Vinci's 1498 painting of the Last Supper. What I did not realize until recently is that Da Vinci was painting a very specific moment within that event: the instant right after Jesus said to his apostles "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."
The original, painted on a convent wall in Milan, is huge: 15 by 29 feet. It is also mostly decayed, unfortunately. What has survived is copies made in the 16th century.
On the left we see Bartholomew, James and Andrew. These three are simply surprised. At the far right, some of the apostles seem to be demanding an answer.
Judas is fourth from the left, with the dark hair and beard, withdrawing from the conversation as John and Peter engage one another behind him. Judas is knocking over a salt shaker, and he is holding a small bag (perhaps full of the money he was paid for his betrayal).
I suppose what is compelling about the painting is how human it is. Haven't we all been all of those people at one time or another?
