The Light of the World
by Paddy 0′Cearmada

William Holman Hunt painted his famous picture in 1854.  Depicting the figure of Jesus carrying a lamp and knocking on an overgrown door it took as its inspiration the verse from the Book of Apocalypse (3:20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.  As a member of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, Hunt was fascinated by mysticism and symbolism – the door lacks a handle so can only be opened from within, representing in Hunt’s words the ‘obstinately shut mind’.

This famous painting in a later version toured the world in 1900 drawing huge crowds wherever it went, including Australia.  Maybe it should tour again, perhaps to Canberra.

Tony Abbott’s statement that many women are knocking at the door of his recently announced Cabinet is a modern example of the ‘obstinately shut mind’.   Triumphant as a new Prime Minister he had the power to open that door, and the fact that only one woman has been admitted is a disgrace.  To say that no other woman could hold such a position, and to hide behind merit as the reason, beggars belief.  The new line-up is as average as any other Cabinet in recent memory and all Ministers of any political persuasion grow into their role.

As a symbol of what is to come this action speaks louder than words, and says clearly that over half the population has no real place in his imagination.