Ars vivendi Christiani. . .
I was making some olive wood rosaries for a Christ renews his parish this weekend and for some reason I began to reflect on the Catholic life as an artistic process. There are many ways that art is expressed. The three I can see most immediately are word (Poetry), Image (Paint and sculpture) and Sound (music). While many of us do not have great abilities in these areas, we still are tasked with the mission of expressing ourselves in word, thought and deed in the fullest possible way. I believe that all true art seeks to express itself the truth and not just my personal truth. We have this capacity because we are created in the image and likeness of God, who is the fullness of unity, goodness, truth and beauty.
This self-expression is not however, a solitary task. We are not only the art but the artist, really co-artists with the Holy Spirit and those whom the Holy Spirit sends us to make their impression upon us. We are at our essence relational beings. This relationality is I believe the starting point of our Christian artistic process. The primary relationship of life is to the God who made us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He knows the masterpiece we are capable of becoming. At the same time, he gives us room to grow and come to grips as best as we can with who we are. Maybe this relfection will need no where, but over the next few days I will ask the lord for some further enlightement, of he wishes to do so. Otherwise, I will stmble around and try not to bump into anything.
