The Allure of Italy

Couldn’t keep my mouth closed looking at Italian catholic churches. Ornate, intricate, complex seem soft to describe them. The marble, the color, texture, shape and art; the work, chisel, stroke; the time, money, effort; and the focus, will, and resolve to finish is mind-boggling to say the least.

It seems they made them to reflect the glory of God. Bible scenes on breathtaking fresco paintings. Apostles, disciples, evangelists, male and female, in close-to-life marble sculptures. Every foot, or maybe inch, with a story to tell. Every curve and line made to show beauty, command, and grandeur. The glory of God almost captured in matter. To bring people to God- they truly are a lure.

“The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” I used to sing that as a child. And I sing that to my kids once in a while. If the basilicas and cathedrals can be made into such awesome sights (Is your mouth closed now Ninang?.. “closing..” ), what of our bodies? Shouldn’t they too be made, molded, directed, to reveal the glory of our Lord. Every thought, every word, every move– reflecting the beauty and excellence, yet the humility; the authority and lordship-yet the grace; and the holiness of our Maker. Wouldn’t we bring people to God? And close their mouth in reverence.

The enticement of men and the “call” of God are in one place though. Prada, Gucci, Ferrari, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani- signature stores lining a street. Ironic or strategic- that is the question. And the battle outside is the fight inside. Do we see what’s physical or what is essential? What truly is Italy?

In the meantime, Pizza, gelato, and wine tasting; sightseeing tours, Airbnb– endless walking. Hope, joy, love, and thanksgiving–within self or the piazza.

– Ninang “Italian” thoughts

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)