Martini's and Spirituality on Menu in Indianapolis

AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton

The Christ Cathedral Church of Indianapolis (Episcopalians) are offering a unique 6-week discussion series, SPIRITS-uality over drinks at the trendy restaurant/bar MESH on Mass Ave near downtown Indianapolis. While it's not unique that religion is going to be discussed over drinks, it is however unique to have the occasion sponsored, and led by a Christian church and to use power point of Christian artwork to prompt discussion. Last week's topic, "Sex and Spirituality" was inspired by the work of Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Terese (1647-1652) and linked the rapturous feeling of sexuality with spirituality.

This included a reading from her autobiography which inspired the sculpture, "I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron's point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it. It is a caressing of love so sweet which now takes place between the soul and God, that I pray God of His goodness to make him experience it who may think that I am lying."

There are only three remaining Thursday nights left for the 7 p.m. series sponsored by Christ Cathedral Church, and this week the group of primarily 30-somethings and an Episcopal minister will discuss "Where in the World is God?" I am looking forward to the artwork. Mesh on Mass Ave, 725 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis.