We saw many beautiful church buildings in Italy made from granite and marble, filled with statues, mosaics, tapestries and paintings.  I can’t help but be impressed by the grandeur of the size and workmanship to create them.

I think Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the largest in the world.  Michaelangelo designed the dome which became a standard for many.  Peter is buried there.

The Duomo in Milan comes in as the 4th largest.  The marble on the front facade, I find the most beautiful of all the church buildings so far.

The Duomo in Florence rises above the skyline.  We paid 8 euros to climb the spiral stairs and saw amazing views over Florence.

San Marco Cathedral in Venice contains Mark’s remains.

The Cathedral of Santiago is the largest church building in northwest Spain.

After being in awe of these structures, I began to reflect, “I really don’t think this is what Jesus had in mind.”

St. Francis of Assisi renounced wealth and lived a simple life to stay focused on the Kingdom.  He lived in a hut and served from a little church.  Now built around the little church is a huge cathedral.  I do not think that is what St. Francis had in mind.

I then begin to reflect, “What does Jesus have in mind?”
What does Jesus have in mind for our life?  For our church?  For our building?  For the Illinois Mennonite Conference?  For Mennonite Church USA?

What does Jesus have in mind?

We who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can’t understand us at all.  How could they? For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel? But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:15-16.

Let’s build life in our day to day lives with what Jesus has in mind.