Finding Kindness at Saint Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle–keeper of the Crown of Thorns. Encircling the spires of this church are thorn-like adornments.
Sainte Chapelle Cathedral with its majestic stained glass windows.
Near to Notre Dame is a magnificent church built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis as he is also known) in the middle of the thirteenth century. This church was built as a private chapel for the King to hold precious Holy Relics of the Passion of the Christ: the Crown of Thorns and a small fragment of the Holy Cross. King Louis desired these holy relics to the extent that he was willing to pay any price necessary to obtain them for himself, his kingdom, and all Christians. Besides preserving these items for future generations, he believed by owning such, God might make Paris the “new Jerusalem”.
Sainte Chapelle’s beautiful stained glass windows
Holy Relics were kept in this inner sanctuary high above the cathedral floor.
Close up of the archway that once held the Holy Relics
Though this church is small compared to Notre Dame, (less than a block away) the stained glass windows are breathtaking. They are each so tall and detailed, it is hard to separate one frame of window from the next.
It is said the King would enter this chapel by himself at all hours of the night and gaze at the relics while pondering the concerns of his kingdom. I can’t begin to fathom the ability to build such a cathedral nor to sit for hours by oneself within it, gazing at these precious items. What did he think about? What was on his heart? A kingdom depended upon him to protect and rule fairly.
The Bible states, to whom much is given, much is required. King Louis possessed so much by worldly standards, yet so do I. If I spend time comparing myself to others I might feel either unhappy because of what I lack, or boastful because I have much. Contentment is a decision. Like the Apostle Paul I am finally learning to be content with much or with little. It is not circumstances that provide peace and happiness. It is keeping my eyes on the Lord and not looking around.
Still, I am human. With so many tourists vying for the perfect place to take a photo, or pushing themselves in front to see better, I remind myself to “keep smiling”. It is a church, not just a photo op. I wonder, do people leave their manners at home or is this too a “relic” of the past? Where did kindness go?
After leaving this church we spent a few moments getting a bite to eat across the street. At a most unexpected moment, kindness and caring crept up before my eyes. Were I not paying attention, it might have been missed. After ordering french onion soup for lunch we watched a tender scene play out after a child became separated from her family. Stooping down to her level, a police officer gently prodded to determine the whereabouts of her caretaker.
A lost child needed everyone’s help and received it gladly from both law enforcement and bystanders.
Within moments, it wasn’t just the officers helping the little girl, it was restaurant waiters, patrons and bystanders all searching the area to help reunite this little girl. Kindness is not a thing of the past. Though it took a child’s tears to wash away apathy and selfishness, God’s presence is always here.
