Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. St. Augustine
The Internet is off and on and the music in McDonald's is heavy metal. Can people really still like this type of noise? Oh, well. Here we go....
And, I want to write about art for my friend Sarah.
The connection between the spiritual and the material is our gift from God. Satan hated this, of course, being so smart and so spiritual.
However, as Sarah knows, artists work with their hands and get down and dirty, be it with paint, clay, marble, costumes, lines, sets, lightening, words, words, words.
The material can become idolatrous so easily. So, how does an artist avoid the materialistic mind-set?
There is only one way and that is NOT pursuing self. The self is healed in a great Person. The Person of Christ heals us through Love. If we allow ourselves to be immersed in love, we shall be healed.
Most artists and, indeed, more people, think it is the other way around. They think they need to be healed first in order to enjoy love.
No, real love is healing.
Not false, idolatrous love, the love of looking at self and looking at the other as a demi-god.
Not false love based on things, status, money, names, titles.
Not false love based on sexual attraction or activity.
Real love is tough. Real love is truth. Real love is a Person.
We get bogged down, Sarah, looking for the means to be healed when all the time He is waiting with outstretched arms to hold us in His Holy Embrace.
Artists, perhaps, more than others, need Christ the Lover, as we are so sensitive and vulnerable.
Ask St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Read his Song of Songs commentaries.
We seek, we run after the Bridegroom and He waits for us. Sometimes, we are stupid and say "No". I have done this. I have said no in the past not understanding that His love opens to door to more love and all loves.
To belong to Christ is not an eggshell existence. It is living in the stars, where daily, new life begins.
Teach your peers to love, selflessly, and they will know God.
Art made be the medium, but the Truth is a Person.
Happy New Year, dear Bard.