ART FOR ART’s SAKE? 

In the world of Church and Prayer, we see seeing in a lot of different ways. In the Christian Tradition, particularly that of the Catholic Church, we find ourselves using objects, images and artifacts as a way of communicating with God. 

In the most traditional ways, we use statues, paintings, and other objects as ways of reminding ourselves of our relationship with God. From the Crucifix to the Tabernacle, all of these objects are designed to remind us of some aspect of our relationship with God. This relationship we can call prayer. 

In the sanctuary, we consider many of these items sacramentals. Holy objects which help us either enter into or stay in a prayerful relationship. We may not even consider this, but the simple act of blessing ourselves is also a sacramental one, so a sacramental does not always have to be an object, although often it is. 

I want to introduce this prayerful way we look at certain objects or art as a means of understanding how we see things in our everyday life. An excellent study of this process is captured in a book by Stephen Pattison called Seeing Things. In this book, Stephen illustrates how we humans have become used to scanning things quickly from a visual perspective, categorizing them, almost without thinking and then miss the opportunity to understand the relationship or meaning they may have in our lives. 

While no one would consider throwing a rosary or bible down in anything but a gentle manner, we often ignore what is going on in the objects around us in our everyday lives. 

For example, when in an art gallery or museum, we immediately take a different form of attention when looking at the artwork because of its location or the fact it is framed than we do for all the other materials surrounding it. Once informed of its artful nature, we give it the respect it deserves as a result. 

Part of this problem is we often view things in this manner by determining if they are “beautiful” or not. In his research, Pattison notes we often blow by something quickly if it does not fit into this category, and alternatively are willing to “gaze not glance” at objects which meet the first category. By doing so, we often miss many of important items that are a vital part of our everyday life, but are not in the category of artwork or a traditional sacramental. 

So today, perhaps, we can take some stock at the items we have around us, even on our desks or dressers at home, in the kitchen, the toolshed, and see them for their own importance, their function and then lastly, our relationship with them. We often have a haptic (or feeling) relationship with these items which is sometimes not recognized until they go missing from our lives. 

When we begin to notice these other things around us, we may find ourselves drawn into a new form of prayer, one of reflection and gratitude or memories which helps us immensely. We don’t ignore the everyday gifts and objects around us, but are rather thankful for them. 

Art Thou Art

The blank frame stands proudly to attention,

Clearly displaying its nudity by the dust on the untouched wall behind it.

Still they stop and gaze

Thinking knowingly, there is meaning within. 

Meanwhile the author, a simple carpenter, 

Giggles from above,

Watching the security cameras, 

Holding her morning Starbucks fav. 

Later that day she places the sign below the frame.

“Art thou Art?” 

Oncoming

Reflection, poem and image copyright 2024 Michael J. Cunningham OFS

A Drifting Prayer

Sometimes, not that often, we get to experience the feeling our life is drifting on. Not out of control, like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride*, but rather ebbing to and fro like the ocean tide. 

I must admit not having experienced this feeling myself for very long. Personally, I am a bit of meddler, and even if things are going along smoothly, will always be seeking some new challenge, excitement, or meaning in what is happening. Occasionally though, the wonder of just “being” comes over me in a daily routine and that wondrous drifting effect comes over me. 

Moments and experiences like this are the downtime and peace we can enjoy merely resting in Christ. These are the reassurances we need when turmoil has been surrounding the hours and we are called to take a walk on the beach; metaphorically speaking at least. 

These calming moments are often given to us as a gift, something occurs that causes us to move into “neutral”, neither moving forward nor backward, just sitting where we are. The references to these moments are multifold in scripture, as are the many times when God just calls us to do the same. To remain in Him.

I was talking to a friend this week about a contemplative retreat where they experienced centering prayer, then a silent walk in the gardens, and a second silent centering prayer session to follow. This contemplative “sandwich” made me recognize how much a walk somewhere without an agenda, purpose or even intention can be a wonderful way of experiencing a drifting prayer. 

Where the encounter happens is timeless because we are not focused on timing the event. Just the desire to rest in Him.  

Drifting in Prayer

TOWARDS THE LIGHT

Moving from the gray to the light seemed inevitable; 

As the darkness dissipates as if it was never there. 

And eyes adjust to a new way of looking;

Squeezing the daylight out once more. 

Leaving the dark place behind.  

*From the Children’s book Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 

Image, Reflection and Poem Ó 2024 Michael J. Cunningham OFS