The Churches of Rome


Before I went to Rome on my honeymoon I told Jim I did NOT want to spend a bunch of time in churches while we were there.  

As someone who, at the time, felt a little jaded by “religion” I thought we had MUCH better things to do.

However, just outside of our hotel - only steps away, stood the Basillica of Sant'Andrea della Valle.  The building - which began construction in 1591, was completed in 1622 - some 31 years later.

When I stepped into the church - my jaw dropped!

Built without cranes or modern equipment - this church is STUNNING.  From its frescoed ceilings right down to its ornately tiled floors, the whole thing is incredibly beautiful.  And after seeing it, I wanted to visit EVERY church in Rome.

You see - this is what went through my head ...

Four hundred years before I stood in that church, mouth open, eyes wide - admiring its beauty, people spent their entire adult lives building it.  FOUR HUNDRED YEARS!!!!  

They worked at it because they loved God and they wanted to create a beautiful place, one worthy of Him, in which to worship.

Today, there are more than 900 churches in Rome.  Each one built to honor God.  Most, incredibly beautiful - and most built CENTURIES before I was born!

"I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." - Psalm 86:12

I often think about the lives spent building the churches of Rome, and the fact that so many people spent every waking moment of their days honoring God.  

Today, let us remember that even if we are NOT church builders, we can dedicate our time in service to Him.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17

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