Silence and Peace
Church in Jüterbog
There are few places today where you can retreat from the noisy daily life. One of these places are churches – and especially those old churches built some hundred years ago. I like to sit there on one of these wooden benches (not very comfortable, but you are not supposed to relax there), and have a look around. How did they do this, I often wonder, how did they built this church with the simple tools they had at those times?
And what a contrast those big churches were to the small huts of the normal people, without light coming in, full of smoke and dirt. Here, in that church, the sun could come in through the glass windows (glass – what a luxury), and there was so much room in it! Today, with our skyscrapers, churches aren’t extraordinary buildings anymore. But whenever I sit in a church like this, I try to see it through the eyes of a man or woman living in the 15th century. And I am awestruck.
9 responses to “Silence and Peace”
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Ulla I do think of Europe when I see pictures of magnificent churches like these. They are all over the world, and here in Hawaii too, but those in Europe – and the extraordinary pervasiveness of them, so many! – are those which stand out in my memory. I wonder if it is that story association with history? Or maybe my own love affair with so many things European… I must get back to your continent soon!
Your post reminded me of the many churches I visited in Europe. Thanks!
I was curious about your comment, “There are few places today where you can retreat from the noisy daily life.” I lead a quiet, simple life so that statement doesn’t apply to me. Tomorrow’s post at Cheerful Monk is entitled Creating a Sacred Space. I’d love to hear more about your experiences with sacred places.
Ulla, I love sitting in old churches. I can feel the history as well as the presence of God.
Ulla, you picked my favorite photo for a post! I love old buildings and am particularly fond of churches. Even this picture feels me with serenity and reverent silence. The intricate and ornate details add to the majesty of the building. This is such a beautiful church and perhaps one day I can sit on a bench there and soak in the presence of God.
Ulla,
This is a lovely picture and a wonderful piece of writing about sacred, quiet places. I admire your photo very much.
I wonder now what is under the ceiling and on the beams!I am sure this took years to complete.
Thank you for sharing.
Dear all,
Your comments remind me how I take those old churches for granted – living in Germany / Europe with its long history. We are used to see them here and sometimes forget how special they are! Thanks for your comments which help me a lot to appreciate the history of my own country!
Ulla,
I love to sit in old churches too. Although when I want to feel close to god, I am also very comfortable getting away in nature. The amazement of nature always gets to me. especially gazing up at a zillion brilliant stars on a clear moonless night.
Sadly, a lot of our churches are all locked up and you can only enter during a service. I’m pagan, but I still love the tranquility of sitting in a church. A sacred space is a sacred space regardless of your belief system.
Ulla, the photo is lovely and does remind me too of some magical moments exploring them – although I am sometimes left wondering at the wisdom of previous generations spending quite so much time and money on churches compared to other things…
I find forests give me the same cathedral like effect, and the same sense of peace and sacredness – so I tend to prefer wandering there 🙂