Thoughts In The Night

 

I didn't know what thoughts would come as I stared at the Basilica from the center of St. Peter's Square, but the night didn't dim my mood. The darkness gave contrast to the light, in more ways than one.

By the time I arrived, there weren't many pilgrims visiting the greatest church in Christendom. I suppose most people prefer seeing the Vatican in the light of day, but this night was special to me. I hadn't been here since I was 17 years old, so this was a rewarding glimpse of the church Emperor Constantine ordered built on the site of Peter's martyrdom. (Tradition says Peter was crucified upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die as his Master.) 

40 years ago I climbed up on the base of the 90' obelisk you see just left of center, to receive the Pope's blessing (along with tens-of-thousands gathered there). But what's 40 years to a monument erected in Egypt more than 2,000 years ago? That obelisk stood sentinel to the fall of Egypt. When Caligula moved the 300 tons of solid granite to Rome, it towered impassively over the slaughter of Christians at the ancient Roman Circus, and the torture of Protestants during the Inquisition. The obelisk, adorned with a cross at its top, now watches over the church to see what we'll do next.

As I re-connect with the ancient church, I'm sobered about our heritage. If our history teaches anything, it's this; the disquieting prospect of wielding power should give us pause. We've not always handled our authority well.

Matthew 16:19  - (Jesus)  "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Comments

[Becky Hunter]

So beautiful!!!

[Lisa]

I may never see these places myself, so thank you for sharing with us!