One of my favorite sections of Chasing Francis is when the main character, Chase, is in conversation with his musician friend Carla and a Franciscan priest named Kenny. They are discussing the importance of the arts in faith--even for those who wouldn't consider themselves "artistic."
"'Francis would say that your life should become a poem, a living work of art,' Kenny said. 'The gift artists bring to the church may be no greater than anyone else's--' he looked directly at Carla--'but we need them desperately.'"
After this conversation, Chase journals about an experience he had at a U2 concert shortly after 9/11.
...At that moment the presence of God descended on that room in a way I will never forget. There we were, twenty-five thousand people standing, weeping, and singing with the band. It suddenly became a worship service; we were pushing against the darkness together. I walked out dazed, asking myself, 'What on earth just happened?' Of course, it was the music. For a brief moment, the veil between this world and the world to come had been made thin by melody and lyric. If only for a brief few minutes, we were all believers.......
.....Artists of the world, may your many different paths all lead to that infinite Ocean of beauty where wonder becomes awe, exhilaration, unspeakable joy."
What are your thoughts? This blog is meant to be a place of conversation leading to the Altar, so please--enlighten us! Leave a comment about your experience with the arts in faith and worship.
