Michelli, "Art and Spirituality," cont'd
Clearly, there are many conceptions of art, beauty and spirituality. The only problem with that is that we have never learned to differentiate them linguistically. This has long encouraged us to blend ideas that are unconnected so that we cannot resolve the resultant confusion. Often we take refuge in over simplification, abstention, misapplied revivals of misunderstood traditions, or the moral redirection of funds for "worthier" causes. Let's do something else instead.
When we evaluate the role of art in the liturgy, let's start by being aware that unconscious assumptions are hidden in undifferentiated language, and let's seek to clarify that language. Let's go on to remember that liturgical art and architecture has always reflected the role of the Church in society and the needs of its congregation. When people couldn't follow the Latin service, enormous crucifixes hung above the crossing to "drip" visually on the congregation as they approached to receive the Eucharist. When people believed a particular kind of beauty could sanctify the soul, they built and created for it. When they needed the endorsement of knowing that God too chooses good despite the suffering it brings with it, they produced images of the suffering Christ. What are the needs of today? How courageously, how whole heartedly, shall we meet them?
