I am not choosing blinders in reference to the visible things of God. I fully that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen in the things which He created. I am fully in awe with God’s creative powers in this earth and the entire universe.
Romans 1:20 “For the invisible things of him frecognizerom the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”
My point was only to conclude that the visible things are not religious building made by men’s hands in order for us to adore or be inspired. Christ expects me to be inspired by His Words without seeing anything. The natural creation which Christ created in 6 literal days is awe inspiring. And I recognize that in our physical bodies, we can deem something formulated by man as beautiful, but man’s “creation” pales in comparison to God’s creation. Therefore, the Catholic Church can make a building beautiful, but I’m not interested in buildings, Christ is not interested in buildings, except that building which is the Body of Christ; of which we are fitter together.
Therefore, I simply focus my spiritual efforts on ADORING Christ, not anything that man creates or fashions.
I think Beauty is Beauty and it comes from God. Man can be an instrument for this, as he can be for love, truth..
Christ expects me to be inspired by His Words without seeing anything.
I think that's one interpretation, certainly valid for some specific instances - I would agree with it as regards miracles for example - we should not require them.
However, I remember an Einstein quote something like: "There are two ways to see the universe: Either there are no miracles or everything is a miracle." I think Christ would advocate the latter: seeing God all around us, in awe and wonder and beauty. Not as something separate or apart or detracting from God, but as a whole - holy.
Therefore, I simply focus my spiritual efforts on ADORING Christ, not anything that man creates or fashions.
I think that is on the level of a personality difference. I remember early in my conversion telling the nun who was one of my guides: "I have trouble being in Church because there's so much activity and so many people. To me, I'm closest to God in silence."
She told me there were some like me, but others for whom it was being together in communion with others and that I should for a little while take it as my purpose to be there for them.
I'm a little more comfortable now, Eucharist is still my focus for going to Mass. However, it is still in silence or surrounded by nature's beauty and silence that I'm most comfortable being with God and adoring Him.