KEVIN SULLIVAN
Each year, as the summer months wind down, Crystal and I head off to enjoy an extended vacation with the hope of renewing our appreciation for each other and preparing to face the prospect of a long, cold winter which awaits us in our hometown shortly after our return. This year we headed off to one of our favorite destinations, Germany, where Crystal’s only uncle lives. We are not ‘big city people’; so most of our sightseeing is limited to small towns and villages we encounter as we travel about by automobile, train or boat. Coming from a relatively young country like the United States of America, I am always enthralled with the history we experience as we walk through villages that have been around for several centuries. As we enter these villages we always seek out the local Catholic church (and an occasional Protestant one as well) where we take a few moments to offer prayers of thanksgiving to God as well as petitions for the well-being of family and friends. Entering each of these Catholic churches, no matter how large or small, we experience an environment that is (in one feature or another) spectacular, awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Such was my experience the day we entered one small church in a village in southern Germany.
We had visited this church to venerate a relic of the Precious Blood of Christ. Yet once we were inside, it was the beauty and the majesty of the tabernacle that captivated me. As I knelt down to pray at the Communion rail my eyes and my soul were drawn to the beautiful tabernacle that soared above and overwhelmed the modest original altar of this humble church. It was arrayed in gold with golden rays spreading out from behind it, providing a majestic and glorious framing. I could not recall seeing anything nearly as spectacular anywhere in our years of visiting churches throughout the world. The phrase “giving glory to God” occupied my soul as I gazed upon this stunning sight. It was truly beautiful. My thoughts were immediately drawn back through the centuries to ponder the farmers and craftsmen who nearly five hundred years earlier were inspired to create such a magnificent home for the repose of the Blessed Sacrament. Who were these people, who in such times of scarcity and struggle would pour so much of what they had to create such a powerful witness to their faith in God? I could only imagine an immense outpouring of gratitude that must have been in the hearts of those who were called to choose to execute such a glorious structure.
I must admit that the longer I meditated on this beautiful tabernacle, the more I longed for a return to those days when people were unabashed about their desire to glorify God. Modern Catholic churches in the United States, especially those built since Vatican II, have been severely toned down when it comes to majesty, statuary and the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. In fact there are many churches where the tabernacle has been located off to the side or even out of the sight of the congregation. Some have no art or statues. Of course I am aware that there is always the tension of presenting an ostentatious display of wealth in face of the ever present overwhelming needs of the poor. I know that tension existed five hundred years ago. Yet, like those who have come before us, something seems right about holding nothing back in an effort to glorify God and give thanks to Him for the life we are given.
While I fully appreciate that buildings, structures and displays don’t affect the reality of the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle or in my life, I can not help but reflect on the role of beauty in predisposing me to the majesty of God and His unconditional generosity and love that I found so often displayed in all of the magnificent little churches as well as cathedrals in Europe. In all of these displays I experienced the faithful witness of artisans, farmers and craftsmen who lived centuries ago. It challenges me to think not about the beauty and grandeur that may be missing from many of our churches today, but to consider what I am doing to give witness to the beauty of our Catholic faith to those I encounter in my daily life. I can’t build magnificent altars or exquisite statues in order to show my belief in a great and glorious God. Yet, I can give witness by living a more admirable life by trying to bring the joy and peace of Christ alive by how I love and care for my dear Crystal and our family. I can reflect God’s unending generosity by giving graciously of my time, talent and treasure in my parish and in my community. While my life may never seem as grand, glorious and majestic as that beautiful tabernacle in a small church in Southern Germany, inspired by it I can strive to bring a little more of beauty to life in the world through how I live and love as a follower of Jesus and always be on the lookout for the beauty of God’s presence.
CRYSTAL
Before we left home, we had a family situation arise which caused me concern and sorrow, and I knew that my only recourse was to turn to God in prayer for a peaceful resolution. As we visited each of the churches, I would seek out, and always find, a statue of the Blessed Mother with a small collection of candles which could be lit to add to the prayer intention. What comfort I felt as I found ‘my mother’ waiting for me in each church, reassuring me of her intercession no matter how far away I was from home. I find this one of the most appealing aspects of our faith, to be able to attend Mass or simply to go into a church and pray in a foreign country, not always understanding the language spoken, but always understanding the promise of God’s presence in our lives. Like Kevin, I am so grateful to the men and women who have given so much of their earthly treasure in order for us to enjoy a small glimpse of the heavenly treasure that is available to us through our faith.
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