Saw a post on social media touting (with pictures) the most breathtaking church in every country in Europe.
1. Germany: Cologne Cathedral, Cologne (1880)
2. Albania: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Korçë (1995)
3. Andorra: Església de Sant Esteve, Andorra la Vella (12th century, restored 20th century)

If the Body of Christ were the criteria instead of gorgeous and exquisite buildings, I wonder what the European – or even the international – list would look like? Different than the one above, unquestionably. I have a hunch that the fellowships pleasing in God’s eyes would exhibit the qualities described in the beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-12), which is, in my estimation, the character of Jesus in a nutshell; and then the salt and light passages immediately thereafter (“You are the salt of the earth…the light of the world!”).
Jesus ends that section with the exhortation, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they might see your good works and glorify the Father Who is in heaven.”
The definition of a truly beautiful church, then, shifts from a stunning physical edifice to the holiness of Jesus displayed in hearts and lives. That, of course, has nothing to do with buildings, or collections, or programs, or impressive pulpits.
In light of Jesus’ idea of “breathtaking” – are we?
Live in love!
Friedy