What a piece of work is man!

William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”

Tonight’s entry will be quite brief, maybe just a few thoughts that I try to string together. I apologize for my increasing informality, unless you like it, and then we’re all good on that front.

The first religious site we saw in Milan was, of course, the Milan Cathedral. Like other significant Italian church buildings, it is called the Duomo. Throughout the span of its existence, but particularly in the time it was built, this cathedral and others like it were the main centers of the area. This is where one could come close to God.

It was interesting to me, though, when our tour guide pointed out that the Duomo is still a work in progress. A Milan native, she told us that in all her days, she has never seen this amazing building completely free of scaffolding. Restoration work is a constant necessity if this chapel is to remain as grand and important as it was in the past.

I thought this was a notable allegory for our lives. I don’t think anyone has ever been able to say, at least in this life, that they are fully “done.” Many people I meet, if not all, consider themselves at one point in their journey. Much like the Milan Duomo, as soon as one thing is back in good shape, there is another area that might need growth or repair. There is always something more to learn or do. There are always more people to meet or places to see. As a human being in a human world, everyone must at some time or another accept that moving forward is a rule.

Faiths the world over guide people on their journeys. In many ways, religious doctrines and directives strive to keep repairing us against time’s brutal damages.

How does your spirituality fit into this metaphor? Let me know what you think!

Cathedral

“A cathedral is the seat of the bishop and a centre of worship and mission. The primary purpose of a cathedral is to be a place of Christian worship but it is also often the oldest building in continuous use in its surrounding area and of significance to the heritage, culture and community life of the area it serves.”

“What is a cathedral?” The Association of English Cathedrals. (https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/about-us/)