Celebrating Transcendence, by definition is a BIG idea. Taking the word back to its roots: Trans means over or beyond and the root of scendenence means to climb. As created beings we are hard wired to worship. We are all looking for ways to climb and reach higher towards our Creator.
Historically, people try climbing towards our Creator in many ways, usually through good deeds of some sort. Constructing large places of worship is a common way for most religions attempting to celebrate transcendence. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a fine and literally beautiful example.
Highly skilled Artisans and craftsmen attending to every detail took 100 years to complete the original structure. Each of the craftsmen were motivated to do their most excellent work to bring glory to God, not themselves. They were celebrating transcendence by worshiping God through their work. For them it was more about bringing honor and glory to God than trying to tip the scales of justice in their favor.
As you probably know, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned this week and I admit I was in tears as I watched it engulfed in flames. I have been there several times. It was not only a museum or gathering place. Notre Dame still has an active body of worshipers that celebrate the transcendence of our Creator each week. I remember wanting to go in one Sunday morning but it was restricted for their service. Their physical house of worship is now in ruins, during Holy Week.
The official web site for their congregation gives the address for their Easter services (in French). They don’t need that building to celebrate transcendence, they need to be together and they need each other. Like all people they still have a hunger for something bigger than what we see with our physical eyes.
Please do not take what I just said as separating the importance of beauty and art from worship and transcendence! I believe strongly they are all intertwined as part of who we are, people created in the image of The God of all creation.
As we celebrate Easter this weekend we think about and celebrate our Creator who made a way for us to climb higher. Easter is about the real, hunger-satisfying connection with transcendence. Jesus, the God-Man, came to be the bridge between God and us.
“For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 italics mine.
This weekend we walk through Good Friday to Sunday, reliving the history of Easter. Let’s enjoy the trappings and traditions that bring honor to God. At the same time I pray our inner beings reach beyond the ceremonies to climb up to the reality of the consequences of this part of earth’s history. Through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, a historical figure, we have access to The Creator of All Things.
What does celebrating transcendence look like in your life on a daily basis?
Enjoy celebrating transcendence this weekend!
