I’m reading a new book on the construction of two great cathedrals, Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres. The first was constructed in the 11th century, while the second in the 12th century. The author says that after the 12th century, cathedral construction was no longer the same. I found this book at Book Sale; nobody seemed to be interested in it. I myself just stashed it away after purchase and didn’t think much of it until, probably, more than a year after. I finally opened the package yesterday, and the book begins this way -
“The Archangel loved heights. Standing on the summit of the tower that crowned his church, wings upspread, sword uplifted, the devil crawling beneath, and the cock, symbol of eternal vigilance, perched on his mailed foot, Saint Michael held a place of his own in heaven and on earth… The Archangel stands for Church and State, and both militant. He is the conqueror of Satan, the mightiest of all created spirits; the nearest to God. His place was where the danger was greatest….”
I stumbled on the first paperback edition of this 1905 work of Henry Adams. Although I have never been in Normandy, I feel that, in the coming days, I will know more about it because of this book. The building of a church, let alone a cathedral, is always a matter of faith. But here Adams narrates that it is also a matter of political will, the determination of both church and state – at a time when these two were still one.
We are building a church also, the Cathedral of the King. But we are building this church first in our hearts. Before we can finally see a manifestation of our grand cathedral, we will probably be a changed people first.
Adams also says, “Religious art is the measure of human depth and sincerity; any triviality, any weakness, cries aloud.” More on this book later on…
