Art and the Angels
Art is authentic in its essence when it draws us to God. Everything that is truly beautiful, reflects the opulence, kindness, and generosity of God. He could have made the world gray with no contrast between objects, no depth or texture. Instead, He has given us a magnificent creation so vast, varied, and profound that we could spend our entire lives exploring its creative grandeur and we would still not plumb His ineffable genius.
We know authentic beauty when it takes our breath away… when we stumble upon it and are stopped in our tracks. We are drawn into it as to God because it leads us to God. Most of us have experienced this walking into a beautiful cathedral or as we turn a corner to face a painting or sculpture that seems to emerge out of a force that is beyond human. Our instinct is to stop and wonder and contemplate. In these moments, we are nearer to God than we know.
Just this past week I was scrolling through Facebook of all places and I was struck by this kind of beauty in a simple photo. The picture was of a rosary with an ancient bronze crucifix and a beautiful medal celebrating Mary’s appearance in Fatima. The rosary was and is authentic art because it took my breath away and drew my heart to the One for whom it was made.
In an over-marketed society, we can sometimes confuse promotion for the sake of commerce with authentic praise of something extraordinary. I assure you that my praise here is authentic and that the moment was real. The art that I stumbled upon is real because it drew my heart to what is truly Real.
There are many beautiful rosaries in the world and beautiful souls that make them. In my experience, none are as beautiful as those designed by Arasely Rios the founder of Seraphym Designs [click here to visit website]. Please reward her excellence by becoming a patron of her fine work. Be blessed, spread the beauty and allow your heart to be drawn to God.
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Art for this post on Art that Draws Us to God – Seraphym Designs: Photography provided by Arasely Rios and used with her permission.
About Dan Burke
Dan is the President of the Avila Foundation, the parent organization of SpiritualDirection.com, the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, Divine Intimacy Radio and Divine Intimacy Radio – Resources Edition, and the FireLight Student Formation Program, author of the award-winning book, Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God, and his newest books Finding God Through Meditation-St. Peter of Alcantara, 30 Days with Teresa of Avila, Into the Deep and Living the Mystery of Merciful Love: 30 Days with Thérèse of Lisieux. Beyond his “contagious” love for Jesus and His Church, he is a grateful husband and father of four, the Executive Director of and writer for EWTN’s National Catholic Register, a regular co-host on Register Radio, a writer and speaker who provides online spiritual formation and travels to share his conversion story and the great riches that the Church provides us through authentic Catholic spirituality. Dan has been featured on EWTN’s Journey Home program and numerous radio programs.
