Sacred Art Lifts the Mind and Heart to God
"Jesus" Pastel
The purpose of sacred art is to draw us into a quiet place of prayer, meditation and contemplation. It allows us to lift our minds and hearts to God. Through sacred art we enter into the mystery of faith, transcending the world for a time so that we may glimpse into the Truth and Beauty of God. Sacred art also serves to instruct because it teaches us something about our faith without the use of words.
There is a ministry of artists who, like myself, paint sacred art to help others draw closer to God. For example, my two paintings of Jesus attempt to make the beauty of Christ visible to others, even in the midst of His suffering.
Pope John Paul II said in a "Letter to Artists" that we have been entrusted with a great and holy gift and that we should put our talents at the service of Divine Truth. He reminds us to open our minds to the breadth of the Holy Spirit. "This world in which we live needs beauty so as not to sink into despair. It is beauty, like truth, which brings joy to the heart of man." And all of this is through our artistic hands.
He asked that our hands be made pure and disinterested, remembering that we are the guardians of beauty in the world. The Church turns to us as painters and sculptors of sacred art to use our gifts in the service of Divine Truth.
This is the work of an artist who creates sacred art. It is a blessed calling to use a God-given gift for His Glory and I am truly thankful to be able to use the gift of art in service to the Lord, the Giver of all gifts.
May God Bless You Always!
DIVINE BRUSHSTROKES FINE ART
