Deep Connection

Today I managed to get to daily Mass at the Cathedral. It's been a while! There is something about that place that speaks to me at a level I find hard to describe. It is beautiful, of course, in a massive, antique, highly decorative way. My usual preference is for abstract art (such as the image of the Eucharist on this blog), but I have come to have a deeper appreciation for figurative art as well, especially representative carvings of those who preceded us in the faith. I am intrigued by the ways in which artists choose to render the faces of people they never saw (and no photographs!) - such as Peter, Matthew, Luke, or Paul. Is that really what they looked like? (Don't you wish we had a family album?) The Cathedral has an especially lovely sculpture of Mary: she looks only about 16 years old - I guess it caused quite a stir when first unveiled.

The nice thing about figurative art is that it is kind of homey - like being surrounded by a lot of favorite aunts and uncles. And then there are the metalwork, arches, paintings, marble and stained glass: awesome! All this is artistry of the highest caliber. To me, that level of craft conveys another message: these are offerings to the Creator of all beauty, intended to glorify God.

But the feeling that I get when I am in the Cathedral is more than just a natural response to the beauty and artistry. It is more like a sense that I am connected to, or grounded in something very ancient, very solid, and unchanging. I think that is our faith, the faith handed down over centuries, our faith embodied not just in the minds and hearts of believers but symbolically present in the offerings of artists throughout the ages. The Cathedral - every church building, really - is a vital, visible sign to the world of the mysteries of God.

Each day of my Lenten journey I become more aware of these deep connections to people, to church, to history, to mystery.  As I think and reflect on matters of faith, on my own humanity, and on my hunger for more of God I join not only those who are traveling the Lenten journey today, but all who trod that path before (and in some cases not only trod but blazed a trail!). I sense their encouragement and pleasure and prayer for everyone who makes the attempt to follow Christ all the way to the Cross.