Hurriedly walking through the streets of Krakow on the eve of Easter, we made our way to the Dominican Basilica. Countless of people were streaming in along side of us. Upon entering the ornate polish church, we soon realized there were absolutely no seats available. This did not stop the thousands of folks from pouring in.

 

We found a place to remain still on some stairs. Shoulder to shoulder we stood alongside a mix of polish folks and faithful pilgrims from around the world. The church was dark, just barely lit and everyone held a particular reverence as they waited patiently for the mass to begin.

 

As the clocks turned midnight, a quiet stillness filled the entire church. Now in complete darkness we stood waiting. Soon a dim light in the center of the Basilica appeared before us, the baptismal candle was now lit. Like a wave of mystical grace, the church began to fill with candle light as every single person received a flame, first from the baptismal light then from another. Simultaneously, the choir began to lift their angelic voices in polish hymns of praise. Pierced by the heavenly  moment, I  stood in awe waiting for the very moment the flame reached my own candle. When it did, my heart was overflowing in joy. Looking out into the crowd, the whole church was now filled with bright light due to everyone’s flame shinning forth.

 

What a powerful imagery of grace, mercy  and the body of Christ. I will never forget that mass, it’s meaning lays imprinted on my heart. Every aspect of that experiance was filled with divine beauty. It was a moment of heaven. The church was a gentle mother telling an intimate story to her children. A story that involves each of us uniquely.

 

This holy week and Easter, I pray you taste the gift of salvation, the gift of renewal, and the gift of a burning heart of grace. For Christ has given everything on the cross that we may receive the light of eternal life.

 

 

 

What are some ways we can experiance Divine Beauty this Easter? Here are 3 Suggestions:

 

1. Visit your church tonight on Holy Thursday! Go to the last supper mass. Have your feet washed and contemplate Christ truly washing your feet. What does that mean? Let it sink in. Travel to several adoration chapels and visit the Lord as He is in the garden in deep pain awaiting His trial. Many follow the Italian tradition and visit 7 different churches tonight to stay awake with Him during His suffering. Just be with Him and experiance communion through an exchange of suffering. This will bring much much grace to your heart.

 

2. Experience the Passion on Good Friday. Watch the film and imagine yourself there during everything. What would that be like? Let it sink in. Maybe see it presented live. Many churches offer this, find one that is well done and just let yourself enter into that moment. Can’t do either? Look up a painting of our Lord on the Cross and pray with that. Put yourself in front of Him. Look into His loving eyes. Let it touch your heart.

 

3. Go to An Easter Vigil Service! They are most powerful at a large church, particularly in a Cathedral. If you have the option to do that, make it happen. This will be transformative. Can’t make it work ? Turn off the lights and light a candle in your own home, maybe with some friends or your family and pray about the gift of grace and salvation that has been given to you all because of Christ.

 

 

Using powerful imagery helps our body and souls enter into the moment more deeply, it helps us respond more fully. Let us not allow Holy week and all it’s blessings to pass by us because we are too busy to see.

 

Tell me, have you ever had a moment like this? Please share in the comments below!!

 

____________________________________________________________

 

 

Kate Capato is an adventurous creative who seeks all things beautiful. She often travels and serves in mission and now shares God’s love through her artistic creations of Sacred Art, Dance, and Photography. When she is not creating or traveling, Kate loves spending time with friends and family while drinking a good glass of wine and consuming extra dark chocolate. To see her work, visit her portfolio below and share in this mission of spreading truth and goodness.