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The Good SamaritanVan Gogh (after Delacroix), oil painting, 73x60cm. Saint-Rmy de Provence, in May 1890.

Back to back, face to faceThe Good Samaritan

Our gaze is fixed on this imposing and vigorous mass that is at the centre of the Van Gogh painting. A man--it is the Good Samaritain-tries to mount his horse a man rather in bad shape. Inspired by the work of Delacroix, Van Gogh produced this painting, tapped by human suffering, and the crazy love of God.Christ took upon Himself the suffering humanity.Shall we thus take it up head on ?.

The composition

In a game of broken lines, a horizontal line is sketched: from the loins of the Good Samaritan, through his belly (his bowels) that underpins the moribund and ending on the horse that resists against the push to allow the charge that his master imposes.

The vertical drop falls on the right foot of the traveller: with all his strength he prevents the injured man from falling down.

Around, the accessories of the scene: on the left, by the road, the trunk of the injured, emptied by thieves, two men turning their back on the scene. On the right, the river, the mountain, the sky, as a breach.

Infighting

The traveller arches with all his strength to put the moribund on the horse. The latter, firmly on his feet, contributes to help his master.It's the whole of nature that comes to help man.

As low as man fell, you have not ceased lifting him up, Lord!

Dare I , in my turn, embark on helping my neighbour?"A Samaritan traveller passes close to him. He sees him and is moved. He comes and binds up his wounds. He pours oil and wine and hoists him on his own mount. Lk 10,33-34

Heart to heart

The pallor of the wounded leaves no doubt: he is almost dead. Through the Good Samaritan, it is the figure of Jesus that emerges. Already he animates man with the gift of his Spirit.

Most loving God, your love raises us in Jesus,It is his face that is close to that of the injured man.Dare I be so close to my tortured, excluded neighbour?Life or death?On the left, the Levite and the Priest disappear into the landscape, on the way, escaping reality, turning their back to it.On the right, the only piece of heaven in the picture symbolises the hope that comes from above. The river, the mountains and the trees are there calm, reassuring.

You, the Way, the Truth and the Life teach me to act according to the impulse of my heart.

Make me prompt to respond to your call."Against you, I take this day to witness heaven and earth: I give you the choice between life and death, blessing or curse!Therefore choose life, that you may live, yourself and your descendants as a lover of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him "Deuteronomy, 30:19