In 15 Words or Less Poems
Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 07:09AM 
I have always been awed by architecture, particularly the architecture of the great Cathedrals of Europe. I have never forgotten how immensely diminished I felt as I stood in the great Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The disparate sensations of feeling weighed down by the great weight of stone above and yet spiritually lifted into the heavenlies surpasses description.
It's been thirty-five years since I first experienced what R. C. Sproul describes as "the threshold experience:"
A threshold is a place of transition. It signals a change from one realm to another.
R. C. Sproul, The Holiness of God
Today's photo transported me back to that cherished memory. Instead of ripping off my first impressions in less than 5 minutes, which is my usual approach to this project, this week I wanted to explore the Scottish cathedral that housed this shining, living stone:
THE BLACADER (or BLACKADDER) AISLE
This aisle, probably intended as an undercroft for a chapel above, is said to occupy the site of the cemetery consecrated at the beginning of the 5th century by St. Ninian.
When I discovered that this luminescent, alabaster aisle was built upon the site of a cemetry, images and words filled my mind, making sense of my response and bringing into focus my "threshold experience" with this image.
These shining columns, reaching from the grave to the sky, brought images of Christ's transfiguration, His resurrection, His ascension; the raising of Lazarus, and our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
The cross on the vaulted ceiling, banding the outstretched columns together reminded me of the power that holds all things together, both in heaven and on earth.
Celum et terra. On earth as it is in Heaven.
More In 15 Words or Less Poems at laurasalas.
Reader Comments (4)
How beautiful!!
Gosh...some people are so poetic it makes me feel absolutely useless. :)
That is just a BEAUTIFUL way to see it, Kim.
An absolutely beautiful poem, Kim! And thanks fro the additional information on the Scottish Cathedral.
Lovely, Kim! I think threshold is the perfect word. And going into cathedrals in Scotland was truly amazing. What a great description of the feeling: "feeling weighed down by the great weight of stone above and yet spiritually lifted..."