Art as Parable
Maybe art is always parable. All that has being was made by the only, the one, God: His truth is at the foundation of all things. Certainly all great art – whether music, writings, paintings, photography, dance – all great art, I would say, somehow in one way or another expresses some fragment of the one Truth that God expresses in His creation. For this reason, I would say, men turn to art as they seek truth because men seek God.
Well this is all to introduce this blog post: the parables found in creation and photographed, and used as cover art for my books. I want to try to express in words what may be obvious in the photography – but maybe it isn't. Both books are now out and available in digital form for the Kindle and the Nook e-readers with these new "covers".
The Ordinary Path to Holiness
(The photograph is of the old Broad River Bridge, now only partially standing, and used as a fishing pier.)
The way is straight – if we will only keep to the way! There are resting places along the journey, because God is patient and merciful. There are lights along the way, because God is patient and merciful. But we must keep our eyes – the eyes of faith, in this case – we must keep our eyes fixed on the end, the final purpose and intent of it all: The Light, the Glory, the Alpha and the Omega, God.
Pope Benedict recently reminded us that we are all called to become "fishers of men." For fish, to remain in the waters is life, and to be caught by the fishermen is death. But for us, the opposite is true. For us, to remain in the waters is death, but to be caught by the fishermen and pulled up into the air is life. Now we have been called as fishers of men, and our task is one of life and death.
The Interior Liturgy of the Our Father
(The photograph is of the inside spiral staircase of the old Hunting Island Lighthouse.)
Our journey is one of ascent, and the climb is not an easy one (especially as we get older!) The Lord cautions us, "How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Mt 7:14) Yet He also encourages us, saying, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Mt 11:29-30)
Is the way difficult, or is it easy? Yes. Yes. And His way is the only way for us, lest we fall into chaos, insanity and despair. God made us for Himself – for holy communion in Him – and all else contradicts our very being. So let us climb! Let us pursue the one goal worthy of a human person: true fellowship, blessed and holy communion in God.
Blessings and peace.
Thomas
