The other day I came across a story that I had read many years ago but had forgotten. It’s the story of a painting that the great artist Leonardo da Vinci worked on for close to three months. Day after day, he carefully sketched the outline and developed the background. He even went as far as to select the color scheme. And then, for some mysterious reason, he suddenly stopped—leaving the masterpiece unfinished.

Art historians speculate that perhaps he lost interest in it, or that he became involved in other projects. No one knows for sure. But for the better part of a year, the painting just sat there. And then—for reasons that are also unknown to us—Leonardo handed the piece to one of his students and asked him to complete it.

Needless to say, the young man was stunned by the request. In fact, at first, he refused. “I am not worthy of such an honor,” he said. “I am still learning the craft, and I
simply couldn’t bear the thought of ruining one of your painting.”

With a soft smile, Leonardo placed a reassuring hand upon the young man’s shoulder. “Will not what I have already done inspire you to do your best?” he asked.

In many respects, I believe this is precisely what Christ asks of each of us. Long ago, he started painting the world anew with the radiant colors of redemptive love. And now, we have been handed the brush and pallete and told to continue his work.

It’s a daunting task, to be sure. After all, like Leonardo’s young student, we still have much to learn. But there is one significant difference. Leonardo left his student alone and went on to other work. However, Jesus Christ remains with us always—often taking us by the hand, and gently guiding each stroke of the brush.

Surely, what he has already done—and indeed what he continues to do—should inspire us to do our best!