Church: A Place Where Mystery Happens - #1

I am not a carpenter, architect, painter, organist, florist, stained glass maker, bricklayer, landscape architect or iconographer. I know little about what makes these people and their craftmaking successful. But I can see when they have done a good job, when they have created buildings that are inviting and hospitable, beautiful and serviceable. At these moments I am honestly in awe. Here is a space, safe and secure, that I can dwell in. Sometimes the buildings are older and have been redone. Sometimes the buildings are newly conceived and constructed.

The buildings that I am most interested in are churches. I have been hanging around churches for a long time. Here are some of my favorites - Our Lady of Guadalupe, an Anglo-Latino community in Helotes, Texas; the campus church at St. Norbert's College in De Pere, Wisconsin; the monastic churches of St. John the Baptist in Collegeville, Minnesota and St. Procopius in Lisle, Illinois; St. Benedict the African, a African-American community in Chicago; The Catholic Cathedrals in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Rockville Centre, New York; the retreat center chapel in Wheeling, West Virginia; and St. Francis of Assisi parish in Concord, a suburb outside Oakland, California.

What is it about these churches that I love?

First, the grounds and the walkways that lead me in to these buildings are beautiful. The landscaping attracts. It invites me to be there and to enter further. Somehow, almost magically, the place lets me set aside my cares and I am drawn in. I enter into space that captivates me with its wonder, serenity, and loveliness. The lighting and the shadows, a mighty piece of sculpture, lovely lawns, trees, and flowers. a ceramic cross inscribed in to the cement walkway, along row of multi-colors and majestic flags create excitement and festivity. I am entering a building where wonder happens!

Second, when I enter, I am not alone. Immediately I am greeted by strangers who make me feel at home. Their warmth smile and simple greeting welcome me. I begin to mix and mingle with other people in the gathering place. Then the building and the crowd lead me further in to the baptismal space - ample space with gorgeous baptismal pool and fountain. I step down and I pass by or over flowing waters. The sound of refreshing dancing, living waters reminds me of oceans and of lakes. Flowers and trees speak to me, remind me of the original blessing of creation and my own baptism.. Frankly, I never expected to feel so moved with wonder! I never expected to be so enchanted!

Third, I enter the place for Eucharist. The seating arrangement embraces me. I see bright and eager faces around me. I easily see the ambo, the reading station where the scriptures will be announced, and the altar table where the great thanksgiving will be prayed. How marvelous! I, someone with sight impairment, can see so easily and so well!

And all this before the worship begins! The space works. It does its job. It ministers. Hospitable space creates hospitable people. Spirit blows in this place and people. Here is a building worthy to bear holy mystery.