The radiance of God's glory was embodied by Jesus Christ for the whole Community of Man. Jesus Christ was God's messenger but at the same time was God Himself, present among us to renew the Life of Man. In this painting, the spreading rays symbolise the divine radiance which Martha and Mary were able to discern from the vibrancy, joy and love of Jesus. This phenomenon could also be witnessed and felt by others around them. The dark and muted background expresses the darkness of the world at that time into which he brought light.