This last Tuesday, Suzy and I went to a choral concert of the Oxford Choir, who began their tour of the U.S. in Charlotte. The concert was held in a magnificent church — Covenant Presbyterian in Charlotte. I had not been in it, and I thought it was truly a work of art unto itself. The church was packed with people to hear the concert, the choir sang like angels, and the organ music shook the rafters. It caused me to think, of course. When Suzy and I used to travel more we would make it a point to visit a city’s famous churches or cathedrals, Montreal being my personal favorite. My friend, Louisa, has traveled Europe visiting great Romanesque churches, and we have all wandered into an empty church while out of town and marveled at some aspect of its design or artwork.
So as I contemplated the beauty of Covenant Presbyterian filled with people, I remembered those visits to churches throughout the U.S. and Canada and entering a church during the week. Almost everywhere I visited there were always one or two, three or four, people sitting or kneeling praying or deep in silent communication. I am always taken and moved by the site of a huge Cathedral and a lone human kneeling in the pews. The saying goes, “It takes my breath away.” We always want a church filled with people singing, praying, and worshipping. I also think some measure of a church building can be taken in the comfort it brings to that soul seeking God in private.
During Lent we are like that sole communicant with God. During the rest of the year our lives are packed full of things to do and people to see. Our days are filled, just like the pews on Easter Sunday. But during Lent, we enter into a private relationship with God through prayer, meditation, fasting, and introspection. We are alone in the presence of magnificence seeking comfort and guidance. It too is a beautiful sight.
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