Cathedrals Of The Heart
Anyone who has ever traveled to Europe has seen beautiful, majestic cathedrals that Christians living in earlier centuries built to honor God.
In such countries as Italy, France, and England, gigantic structures of stone, wood, and glass rise into the sky. Their construction required decades of work and dedication.
When completed, their graceful spires towered over towns and could be seen miles away.
Today, skyscrapers and apartment complexes tower over many modern cities, but cathedrals still have a special power and grace.
Catholic scholar Robert Barron has written a beautiful little book called Heaven in Stone and Glass, which explores the marriage of theology and architecture that led to the creation of the York and Lincoln Cathedrals in England and three French cathedrals: Notre Dame, Chartres, and Le Mans.
“These cathedrals are powerful repositories of the Christian spirit,” he wrote. “In their windows, towers, vaults, naves, roses, labyrinths, altars and facades, these Gothic churches bring the transformative energy of Jesus Christ to bear on our world.”1
Visiting old cathedrals today can be a powerful religious experience. Many were built in the shape of a cross.
Walking down their aisles toward their massive altars, one finds his eyes drawn heavenward by the towering stone columns and the stained glass windows that portray scenes from the Bible and the life of Christ.
But you don’t have to travel to a European cathedral to worship God. Wherever you are right now as you are reading these words can be your own personal cathedral.
A brief walk in a park or even a stroll down a sidewalk can expose you to some of the wonders of God’s handiwork.
But the most important thing isn’t your surroundings. It’s the state of your heart.
As Isaiah told us, the characteristics God esteems in those who would worship him are humility and contriteness of spirit, and a respectful awe for his revealed Word.
Whether you’re in a beautiful cathedral or your messy living room, God wants you to honor and acknowledge him as God.
God, I worship you. You are the Lord of the cosmos. Help me to understand and honor your majesty.