Not all people consider themselves artists, nor do all perceive themselves as students of the sacred liturgy. To some extent, however, I believe we are all (at least tacitly) both.
As a self-professed artist and student of the liturgy, I was captivated by one of the intercessions the Church prayed in Vespers this past Tuesday (of the Second Week of Lent). We prayed: “Inspire all teachers and artists to prepare mankind for Your Kingdom.”
What a mission statement! I have thought about the vocation of artists in many ways, but I was struck by this particular expression of the artist’s redemptive role. The arts are, after all, meant to lead us to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. They are meant, indeed, to lead us to salvation.
I imagine that most visitors to this website and blog consider themselves artists. Have you ever meditated on your role in preparing mankind for the Kingdom of Heaven?