The Eternal City

I have never been so moved in my soul by a city as I was in Rome, Italy. Countless days have started in this city appearing just as above with the sun peaking over ancient buildings, residences and cathedrals in a breath-taking manor.

Integrated into the confines of the city’s walls are tropical trees and shrubs that provide solace and a feeling of solitude while being surrounded by the sounds of the city as people and traffic make their way conducting business as is usual for a city of this size.

One can dine having the finest Italian cuisine while staring at an ancient cathedral that has hundreds of years of history dedicated to the saints of the Catholic faith.

It only takes a hop on a bus and a transfer to a local train and in less than 30 minutes from the city one can experience vistas of rolling hills, covered with olive trees and dotted with more ancient buildings that include residences and monasteries with mountains in the distance as above.

Combined with the relics of our faith like the Pieta by Michelangelo pictured above housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City we begin to understand how Rome became known as “the Eternal City”. The city’s nickname can be traced to an ancient myth, ancient historical writings, and the ancient Romans’ beliefs in the greatness of their city. For me the nickname applies because it is a living picture of an eternal faith. An eternal faith in an eternal God that has been held by the people of Rome and all those who have been fortunate enough to visit this city. An eternal faith that has been practiced for centuries and is on display in this city in so many different ways. An eternal faith that is represented in the many cathedrals and places to gather for worship, prayer and the conduct of other ordinances of faith. An eternal faith that is represented by the many sculptures, paintings and other forms of art that populate this city unlike any other. But most of all to me an eternal faith demonstrated by an eternal God through the beauty of His creation of the natural elements that fill up and surround this city. This city speaks of an eternal faith in an eternal God to all that view it through eyes of faith.