A Promise to Return

If you were to drive approximately forty-five minutes south of the city of Naples, Italy through the region of Campania, towards the city of Sorrento you would pass this scenic overlook. Looking across the Bay of Naples you would see Mt. Vesuvius in the distance but you would have to look through or over a metal fence filled with locks. Close examination reveals names inscribed in some fashion on each lock permanently fastened to the fence. Local residents would tell you each lock represents a couple that has visited this beautiful site and vowed to return to this exact location together some day in the future. Now, after having returned home after twelve wonderful days, I see this picture as a metaphor for this entire area. First, it’s natural beauty has surpassed anyplace I have seen in my entire life. In addition, this area is enriched by centuries of history and culture that are truly unique and compelling. These facts alone cause all those who visit this area to promise to themselves and their loved ones that they will return someday. But this metaphor of a promise to return is truly revealed through the faith of Italy that is embedded throughout the area. A faith that is built on the promise of a return of one particular individual, Jesus Christ. One comes to that conclusion based on the observation that almost every town, city, and village we visited not only has a church but a cathedral rich in architecture and artistry describing and depicting the return of Christ in some form or fashion. In addition, one can hardly escape spotting a nun or a friar either walking the streets or riding the buses, illustrating the fact that an army of full-time devoted servants to this faith live and work in this region of the world. Strolling through the neighborhoods of Capri and Sorrento we found shrines to the Virgin Mary accompanied by pictures of deceased family members and friends. Walk through the town square in Sorrento and you will see a rendition of the crucified Christ hanging on the wall outside of a money exchange in public view for all to see. I believe displays like these are not done in a cavalier manner or with any intent of disrespect. These displays are done out of a rich tradition of a deep abiding faith that is ever present in the daily routine of its citizenry. This was not my attitude a few years ago during my first visit to Rome. At that time, I am ashamed to admit, I was quite cynical about what I observed. I was like Christ’s indignant disciples in Mathew 26 criticizing the woman for anointing Jesus with a costly fragrant oil as an extravagance that could have been sold and the money given to the poor. A pious view indeed which was directly rebuked by Christ, and He then further acknowledged the woman’s act would eventually be told throughout the world. I have come to learn that any act of devotion to God is a faith statement that pleases God, regardless of what I think. On our trip over to Italy a few weeks ago we were waiting for our flight next to a group of Hasidic Jews apparently on their way to Tel Aviv as was indicated by the flight destination next to where they were waiting . A group of ten to fifteen gentleman meticulously dressed and groomed in their distinctive way presented quite a site. I found that I couldn’t keep myself from staring at them in admiration for their devotion to their faith. A faith much different from mine and a level of commitment that far exceeded mine. And they too were probably on a promise of return similar to the one expressed about Italy, but to a different land that was a part of their faith. It occurred to me that my view of these folks a few years ago would have been quite different. I am glad I do not think like that now and I am happy to report my visit to Rome was much different this time. Without a heart of cynicism and a judgmental spirit I saw God everywhere! I saw His creative design in the mountains, the waters, the olive trees, the sunrise, and sunsets. But most of all I saw the acknowledgement of His presence in the streets, in the people, and in the many wonderful, beautiful churches! This truly is a land that is associated with a promise and as we left, my wife and I promised to each other to return again, soon.