On Tuesday we visited the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona which was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi and has been under construction for almost 150 years. It is an extraordinary structure which dominates the skyline of Barcelona but up close the details reveal an intense attention to biblical and theological themes. Gaudi’s love of nature and God are found intertwined throughout the design from the forest of trees forming the pillars to the realistic depictions of animals and insects found throughout.
While many people come to admire Gaudi’s design, the purpose of this building is to point people to God and to enable and enhance the worship and appreciation of Him. Though this may be overlooked by the vast numbers of tourists visiting; every tower, every sculpture and every stone, from the representation of the Trinity, to the telling of the crucifixion and nativity has been considered for its symbolism and connection to the gospel.
I was particularly struck by (what will be) the main doors. This entrance is actually another 15 years away from completion but the bronze doors are embossed with the Lord’s Prayer in Catalan. The phrase “our daily bread” is repeated all over the doors in multiple different languages and above it is the symbol for the Eucharist reminding us that Christ himself is our sustenance.
Wherever you are may Christ the giver of life and source of creativity continue to sustain you in your life today.