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I'm often stunned
by the artistry and craftsmanship that
went into building churches and chapels
around the world. Obviously, a statement
about the importance and majesty of
spirituality is being portrayed to
anyone who lives in sight of such a
building. Throughout our history,
mankind has built places of worship
which were meant to impress on ones mind
the importance of the supernatural, the
afterlife, and the spiritual life. This
has often been misused over the
centuries, maybe even exploited,
politicized, and even commercialized.
For most of us, the chapel is still a
place of reverent habitation. A sense of
quiet often comes over me, as my steps
echo through the open spaces of these
buildings. Whispers seem more fitting
than open talking. I think this is the
intention of their beauty and design -
to cause us to be quiet and ponder what
life is truly about. It is a mystery,
but what we experience in the physical
realms is not the reality of life.
Something big is taking place in the
unseen realms while we go about our
chores and activities of our day.
Spiritual qualities, spiritual entities,
or unseen battles, and thoughts are
present around us at all times. My hope
is that when we enter our places of
worship we are encouraged to be caught
up in this "other world" activity where
we move outside of our own interests and
give to someone who doesn't deserve it -
we love, sacrificially. This is what
Jesus wanted to build his church on - a
foundation of giving of self, sharing
our lives and resources, in a context of
joy. I'd call this - Love. He said it
would set us apart and allow us to
transcend the physical realities of
daily life. So when I set out to paint a
series of Chapels in the different
seasons of the year, my intention is to
draw you into the Divine activity that
"should" be taking place in and around
such edifices as seen in the lovely
"Winter Chapel" - where you see people
gathering despite the cold, where there
is a warm glow coming from inside, and
where you just might find food for your
soul. I hope Winter Chapel draws you in
and causes you to open your heart to the
thrilling possibility of experiencing
the love that was intended for you.
~ Mark Keathley |
