Beauty & Social Responsibility

After worship on Sunday I left for London, Ontario and a whirlwind visit with the family of son Isaac. While I am always happy to see Ike and Becky it was grandson Nicholas' second birthday and he was the star of the show.

Early Tuesday I was on my way home but not before a visit to the chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They have built a new centre which includes a palliative care hospice. The sisters of this order are actively involved in Creation Care so they have built with considerable concern for energy efficiency and have a LEAD Gold designation. They combine contemplation and systemic social action, and the latter has brought them under scrutiny by the Vatican. Several Roman Catholic orders of nuns in North America have been admonished by the Holy See for their progressive theology and "uppity" independence.

I couldn't take photos of the chapel except for the alcove above because a couple of sisters were in prayer ,but it is both modern and beautiful. The font at the entrance is a spiral, a symbol of the feminine. The windows at the front look out on woods. A sister who was in the chapel came out with us and was warm and welcoming as she described how one Good Friday the stark trees visible beyond the cross were so representative of the mood of the day.

I love that while many Roman Catholic orders are committed to justice and compassion, they understand that Christian faith is rooted in worship and beauty. The window above celebrates both the molecular and cosmic wonder of creation. They are aren't stuck in the past either, and are often bold and innovative in both art and architecture.

We can be so earnest about are approach to justice in the United Church that there is no room for creativity and beauty as a celebration of the holy. In these days when we are so fretful about our future we need the reminders that the places in which we gather are meant to lead us into a sense of worship and praise.

Thoughts?