As I have grown older, I find more comfort in the Catholic Church; something about it just feels like home. Reciting the preface during Mass, while brief, is just comfortable. It is very hard to describe. As a boy, those stories in the stained glass windows amazed me. The intricate art work and beauty of those panes of glass is like nothing I had ever seen before.
Dickens shows how Scrooge’s perspective on life notably changes from the way he views the world around him to the way he notices people and even in the way he reacts to them. Scrooge, after merrily stumbling around his room and fumbling blissfully with his clothes, opens the window and has a renewed outlook on the beauty within the world he lives. He takes notice of the “golden sunlight; heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells”. (58) He is able to take noti... ... middle of paper ... ...eals God through the Holy Spirit and the heavenly power of change. Scrooge, through his conversion, is able to establish new and authentic relationships with so many people.
There comes a time in our faith journey when we become cognizant of the fact that we yearn to deepen our relationship with God. Very often this occurs after a period of time in which we were so engrossed in our daily tasks, occupations, and responsibilities that we gradually lost contact with God. Hence, we discover that our limited discussions with the Lord lack the closeness and intimacy they once had and that our visits to the Lord at church occur with a paucity of fervor and reverence. However, the Holy Spirit touches our heart at a moment of grace to encourage us to search for the Lord with renewed passion. Many years ago I experienced a period of spiritual dryness that was weakening my zeal for God and His service.
Miracles are not uncommon within Earley’s vivid memories. The imagination prevalent within his work reflects his own willingness to accept the supernatural into his reality. Earley relishes in his memories, now infused with the essence of his own imagination: The first time I attended the Episcopal Church in my hometown with a girlfriend, I was shocked by the complexity of the melodies the organist played, by the sheer, tuneful competence of the singing. Until then I don’t think I knew it was possible to worship God in cadences and keys actually indicated in a hymnal. In the years since I left, Rock springs has added air-conditioning and a sound system and a fellowship hall, but has changed little in one important way: the congregation still sings out of green, dog-eared copies of the 1940 Broadman Hymnal.
All of these physical qualities make Notre Dame a prime example of Gothic architecture. It does not stand alone in that distinction. One is also likely to see several hundred examples of this style on varying scales throughout Europe. Because, despite its humble origins, Gothic architecture became the standard for religious buildings in the early 11th century thanks to innovative use of new and old design techniques which resulted in majestic buildings that symbolized the builder’s version of heaven. To understand the appeal of Gothic architecture at the time, it is critical to start in the small suburb of Paris called St. Denis.
This should be a dream come true for a Pastor, but those who are familiar with the work of the Holy Spirit know that when the wind begins to blow it picks up dust that has been laying around for years! That means counselling and healing, and above all, time to do it, if there is no one to whom it can be delegated. The largest church was a central meeting place for the wider church because it was geographically central, and the parish was known for the gift of hospitality. Needless to say, it was a busy parish in itself, not to mention the added activities. Then, an unusual year began to unfold.
An age of pre-chivalric attitudes that were more focused on the individual person rather than the actions of a group. Beowulf was a source of immense pride for the people at the time. He was the strength, the glue that bound Anglo-Saxon culture to their roots. Further, and differently, the notions of Anglo-Saxon traditions we gain from reading the work are immeasurable. As a first-time reader, the images of a great mead hall full bursting with song and celebration was fantastic.
Iconography is not restricted to the church but can also be displayed in houses or worn as jewelr... ... middle of paper ... ...altar through the royal doors, and censing the altar. I found this part to be very interesting. Everyone stood while the censing was taking place and the offered up prayers and crossed themselves as the Priest and Bishop walked by. The service concluded with the bishop standing and speaking to the people for a few minutes he spoke on the importance of the service and He shared some scripture and personal stories. After the service Father Constantine invited everyone next door for refreshments, and stayed in the nave to answer any of our questions, this time was very helpful to me since this was my first time at a Orthodox church.
I also thought that I would instantly start doubting my practices and beliefs after attending this church. To my surprise, after this experience was over I still felt the exact same way about beliefs. The most enjoyable part of my experience would have to be the scenery of the church, from the marvelous baptismal font to the paintings in the windows. My least favorite part of my experience would have to be the sermon, and maybe it is because I am not use to listening to a short rushed through summary. It actually felt weird being outside of my comfort zone and being a “foreigner” at a different church.
If the Romanesque church constituted a rural retreat for monastics and pilgrims, the Gothic cathedral served as the focal point for the urban community physically dominated the town, the design of the to... ... middle of paper ... ...entrance door and archway, that had and overwhelming impact on me, these over exaggerated entrance doors, were built to awe and act as the gateway to salvation, they succeeded. Upon entering the church, the saints were lined up and down either side of the church and were lustrously painted and adorned, the cathedral with its stained glass also elumeminated the church with bright sunlight that gave the church a peaceful and serene atmosphere. While viewing the church from the outside, you tend to fixate on the towers, and you tend to divert your view skyway. The massive Gothic church, really humbles you, the enormity and size are truly overwhelming. The ornamental gargoyle sculptures placed around and throughout the rooftops of the church, really feel as if they were alive and guarding the church.