Vatican City ...

Wednesday, September 7, 2011. I am reporting from Vatican city today. We have been visiting the Vatican Museum this afternoon. We have seen the art which the popes have collected over a dozen and more centuries. We have been in the the Sistine Chapel and have spend time in St. Peter's Church with its impressive monuments.

Fantastic Pieces of Art …

In fact, the afternoon started with some controverse discussion. Who paid for all the fantastic buildings which are owned by the church in Rome? Some said that it was taken away from the ordinary people. Others brought the argument that it was a quite common decision to give to the church as a sign of dedication to God. Further arguments have been raised: so many great pieces of art have been created by focussing some ressources.

But then we all went through the Vatican Museum. And we all were impressed by the great craftmenship and genious of many of the pieces which can be found here. It starts with Roman statues, with paintings and mosaics from many centuries. But all these works are much more than just paintings or sculptures. They tell a story of the search of mankind for creativity, wisdom, balance and power.

In the rooms just next to the Sistine Chapel we studied Rafaels paintings, a room where Faith and Science, Justice and Humanity were displayed in an intensive interaction. God was there, the father, the son and the holy spirit. And we could see many philosophers talking to each other, exploring the meaning of life.

God fill me with your wisdom! …

In St. Peters Church we have been in touch with a catholic service, which took part in one part of this huge complex, while thousands of tourists were walking through the other parts. It was difficult to find time for prayer here, just due to the noise of all those who were impressed by the church building itself.

But another thought kept knocking at the door of my mind. I need to ask God for wisdom to take up all what I have seen and to judge it wisely. It was an atmosphere of inspiration which has surrounded us this afternoon. But it was also an atmosphere of masses swamping some popular area. We have been a part of them, not better or worse than all those who just came to see the place which has been a center of the church for so many centuries. But how do you combine your simple faith in the Lord with the immense impact which the collected art of a thousand years has to your mind.

God, help us to take things up, come with your holy spirit into our emotions and our mind! My God, fill me with your wisdom …! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts