Story From Europe #3 - The Oculus of the Pantheon

One of Rome's wonders is the Pantheon. Emperor Phocas donated this pagan temple to Pope Boniface IV in 608. It ensured that one of the marvels of ancient Rome would be preserved, virtually unaltered, as the Christian Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres. The most unique feature of the Pantheon is the Oculus. The Oculus is a 27 foot hole in the middle of the dome. The dome itself is the largest masonry dome in Europe. It is precisely as high as it is wide at 142 feet. The Oculus provides light and structural support to the dome. When it rains or snows you can see it fall inside the Pantheon, cascading to the floor. When Pat and I visited the Pantheon, I was intrigued by the shaft of light that entered in through the Oculus. The light provided means by which to see and made the entire church brighten up with life. This reminded me of what Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." As we follow Jesus, His light streams into the very middle of our lives. His light allows the "eye" to see and creates His beauty in our lives. The shaft of light provided by Jesus cannot be ignored and will be visible to all. May His light brighten your life for His glory. Let the "Son shine" in!
These are the days my friend,
Jim "Train"