Michelangelo in Florence: Redeeming Lost Causes
“I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”
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Michelangelo was a genius consumed by creative passion. He also struggled mightily in his personal life. Yet, over the ages, his sculpture, painting, architecture, and even his poetry continue to lift us beyond ourselves. His ability to see a loveliness of the “not yet” inspires awe. He envisioned grand possibilities from humble things—stone, pigment, plaster, paper, bricks … In his art, he consistently called forth magnificence.
In Florence, Italy in 1502, an immense block of marble stood in Santa Maria del Fiore church. It had been a stone ready to become art but, sadly, some undiscerning craftsman bore a large hole through the very place where a figure’s legs should have gone.
Piero Soderini, the mayor of Florence, sought several artist, including Leonardo da Vinci, to save the piece. Sadly, all agreed the lovely marble had been mutilated beyond redemption. One particular artist, however, had yet to be consulted.
Michelangelo, hearing of this piece, traveled to Florence. After examining the marble, he determined it could be salvaged. He simply needed to reconfigure the posture by adapting the pose of the figure around the hole.
From this seemingly unusable and soon-to-be-discarded marble, he created a young David, sling in hand, leaning slightly, and strikingly beautiful. Thus, the stone that was rejected by others was transformed into loveliness by the hands of a master.
This is the theme of Jesus, the theme the gospel writers want us to remember: Jesus was despised and rejected, discarded for the ash heap of history. And yet, God transforms rejection into a redemption so shocking, it did and does reshape the course of history. Therefore, the apparent tragedy of the cross becomes the beaconing cornerstone of faith.
This same theme replays itself in lives just like yours and mine. The redemption of lost causes continues. So this month, as we move day by day in the direction of Easter, remember: if you find yourself feeling as though all is lost and hope is gone (this is not uncommon nowadays!), remember the rejected marble of Florence that became a masterpiece. And further, listen carefully again to the good news of Jesus: redemption, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection. We can live this together regardless of how we feel in the meantime.
Bless you all.
PRAYER FOR THIS MONTH:
Lord, remind me again of your redeeming, transforming power. You are making something beautiful of my life. Allow me the patience to wait, the wisdom to know, and the confidence to live with courage in the meantime. May the spring that begins to surround me awaken anew the joy of your salvation and the reality of resurrection.
Love,
David
David Jordan
Senior Pastor