“No one lights a lamp in order to hide it behind the door: the purpose of light is to create more light, to open people’s eyes, to reveal the marvels around.” ― Paulo Coelho
Having my daughter and two of my grandchildren living with me I find quiet time hard to come by. To solve that problem, and since it is the Lenten season, I’ve started going to a couple of churches nearby. One is a Catholic church called John the 23rd and within walking distance. Just behind the alter are two large figurines, one of Joseph and one of Mary. The late afternoon light was gorgeous as it beamed down on the statue of Mary. I hesitated to move forward and take a photo because I did not want to disturb those who were praying nor did I want to show any disrespect. But, that light was calling up black and white visions in my head so I walked forward to the altar, bowed in reverence, then walked around the statue, taking several images. The light was awesome.The moment was awesome. Moving. Once those images were given to me I knelt down with gratitude and enjoyed more quiet time: prayer, meditation and contemplation.
6 Comments
John-Visual Notebook
While I’m not a religious person, I do like to shoot the architecture and interiors, and always feel a certain peace when I enter. If you want to experience an absolute, overwhelming quiet, then the place to visit is Great Stupa in the Shambhala Mountain retreat. You walk in and just stand there as the silence buries you. It’s pretty amazing.
Great, great, light for this photo!
Monte Stevens
I’ve been there, John, and you are right about the quiet. I felt the quiet was all through the whole facility, the book store and the small retreat cabins/huts/tents. I just may have to make another trip up there.
John-Visual Notebook
That should be “when I enter a church…”
Monte Stevens
Understood.
Don Cooper
The light, enuff said.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Don!