GodFamilyCrafts

Yes! the Sistine Chapel is all that it promised to be. I had always been told tht the chapel is smaller than most visitors expect, soooo much smaller than the grandeur of St Peters Basilica. so, I had adjusted my expectations and apparently I had adjusted them too much. The Sistine Chapel was bigger than I expected.  I would be nice to be in there with fewer people — there was a rather large crowd — but I understand in some seasons it is even more crowded.

I stood before the altar that has been worshiped at by Popes for generations. The Eucharist, of course,  is not reserved there but I meditated for a few moments on the meaning of the many Eucharists that have been consecrated there.

The ceiling is amazing — the work Michelangelo through harsh conditions of heat, cold and uncomfortable position.I pray that he has a seat before almighty God for the use of his talents to bring others to God. The colors and the incredible use of perception could allow me to sit there for hours and admire.

Many other works by great and no-so-well-known artists fill the halls and apartment of the former popes.

I am grateful for the wonders of this art God has given us!

Peace be with you!

Ann

The boughs of the pine bend low

Laden, they are, with snow.

The fir and the hemlock, and even the spruce

Long to shake their wet burden loose.

But the sun is their friend

And sees how they bend

So sends them a ray to lighten their day

And  help their load slide quickly away.

For a few more hours while daylight still shines

The tree lifts it limbs and stretches, the pines

The hemlock, the spruce and even the fir

Their sighs through the woods can be heard.

The chill of the night surrounds them again

The frost coats them lightly, not making them bend

The night is cold, yet snow does not come

And the forest sleeps on  awaiting the sun.

Ann St. Martin Stout

Jan. 2009