Perhaps not new observations, but worthy of reminding, reflection, and 
appreciation.
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MARCH 6--FROM THE WORLD OF RELIGION

..For those who are susceptible to spiritual ecstasy, the poetry and
music, the paintings and sculptures of religious symbols can be a rich
source of fulfillment. It is in this context that I like to remember this
day: Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on March 6. The paintings on the
ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are magnificent works of art which touch the
heart of the beholder in very profound ways.

Grand mythopoesie is implicit in the Scriptures of all religions, but its
impact has changed transformed over the centuries. The mythopoesie of the
Judeo Christian Scripture finds expression in marvelous Technicolor, as it
were, on the ceiling of the Capella Sistina. This hall was constructed
during the papacy of Sixtus IV delle Rovere, and has therefore come to be
known the Sistine Chapel.

It took eight years to build the chapel: from 1475 to 1483. Its dimensions
were inspired by the wise King Solomon's Temple, as stated in the Old
Testament (1 Kings 6: 1-2): namely, 40.93 meters by 13.41meters, and 20.70
meters high, with side vaults. Twenty five years later, Pope Julius II felt
it was time to re-do the ceiling, and Michelangelo was commissioned to
undertake the task. It wasn't going to be an ordinary paint job, so it took
some four years to finish the project. The completed work turned out to be
one of the immortal works of religious art: grand and moving representations
of some of the figures and episodes from the sacred history of the Bible.

We see here the Cosmology of the Book of Genesis, in which Light first
separated from Darkness, followed by the creation of the Sun, the Moon, and
the Stars. Then there is the creation of the essential substratum of Life,
namely water. Next is the creation of Man. This is perhaps the most awe
inspiring vision to contemplate. Here we see Divinity touching ever so
slightly the finger of Man as if to remind us that there is always that
touch of the Divine in each of us. This could be taken as the deeper meaning
of Imago Dei (Man being created in the image of God). Yet, we also discern
here a touch of sadness that comes with parting: a reluctant moving away of
Adam from God, but with a hint that he will see Him again some day. One
feels as if God is saying, "Fare well, My creature!" This glimpse of
Michelangelo's Creation of Man will forever be etched in the mind of anyone
who has had the opportunity to behold it. Then there is a depiction of the
creation of Woman. Other episodes, like the Temptation and expulsion from
Eden; the sacrifice of Noah are also there.

It is good that the frescoes are on the ceiling of the chapel, for as one
views them one has to see upwards: after all, we are participating in
heavenly themes here. Today, a great many of the visitors are curious
onlookers, herded in groups by tourist guides who repeat by rote paragraphs
from booklets. But when Michelangelo completed his masterpiece, the scenes
and symbols were all real in the hearts of the onlookers. They were not
artistic renderings of ancient tales, but faithful and powerful visions of
historical truths. Goliath and Holofernes, Haman and the ancestors of Christ
had greater immediacy and historical validity than they have to moderns who
look upon these from artistic or touristic perspectives.

Another essence of religion is depth of feeling and empathy with the Divine
that is in any true religious experience. This is amply present Michelangelo
's Pieta: that marvelously sculpted marble which reveals the purest love of
mother for son. The peaceful Mary seems to be accepting the inevitability of
the end, for her face is serene rather than sad, sublime rather than in
sorrow. It unites the pure of heart with that which is divine. This often
happens in the context of love and sacrifice. The Pieta also reminds us of
the miracle that brought forth God in flesh and blood through a
personification of love and gentleness. Only those who recognize this as
unfathomable mystery can know what the religious experience is.

When the sculpture was first exposed, some complained the mother looked
younger than the son, that she was too heavily draped, etc. But such
thoughts don't cross the minds of those who approach with piety. The
perspective of the art critic, interesting as it may be, is different from
the depth of feeling of the devout. The images and icons of religious art
are not meant for art critics, but rather to convey and to assist in
experiencing, the vision of profound religious truths.

So, on this birth date of Michelangelo who was of one of the greatest
artists that ever lived, we reflect a little on just two of his many
masterpieces that remind us of aspects of religion, because he also served
the cause of religion in his own way.