Steadfast: Masterpieces and Meaninglessness

Steadfast: Masterpieces and Meaninglessness

We continue our Steadfast devotional series after a summer of missions projects in Brazil and Italy.

The Duomo of Milan

When we arrived in Italy, we had a couple of hours free in Milan, so we visited the Duomo di Milano. The Milan Cathedral is the world's third-largest cathedral and a massive Gothic architectural masterpiece. It was built over six centuries, and every square inch appears filled with intricate artwork—carved, painted, sculpted. The sheer scale is awe-inspiring and overwhelming—but not easy to explain.

We climbed to the rooftop terrace and saw the intricate spheres and statues built into the architecture itself. Time then accelerated as we observed, in seconds, the artwork that took artists such as da Vinci, Zuccari, Bramante, and Pellegini a lifetime to create.

Walking through it, I thought, someone spent their whole life on that painting, that statue, that carved section of wall. This was their best work, their life's work. This was their vision, the work of their hands and decades of devotion.

And we were walking past it in ten seconds, maybe less.

Saint Ambrose Imposes Penance on Emperor Theodosius I

Saint Ambrose Imposes Penance on Emperor Theodosius I. Painted by Alessandro Vitali, 1603 oil-on-canvas. Serves as the altarpiece for the Altar of Saint Ambrose, found in the left nave of the Milan Duomo. The scene depicts when Bishop Ambrose forced the Roman Emperor to do public penance following the Massacre of Thessalonica.

A Vague Melancholy

As we neared the end of the tour, I sensed a vague melancholy in the midst of all that artistic achievement.

The scale, beauty, and magnificence of Italy's art and architecture represented the highest levels of human creative achievement. Such greatness required an enormous amount of life energy: vision, craftsmanship, and generational commitment.

But greatness fades.

Kings, popes, rulers, and artists were once lauded and celebrated, their legacies applauded in the greatest artworks of master craftsmen.

Now, tourists glance at the surviving radiance of a vaguely recognized glory.

Maybe this ending is what Solomon meant by vanity of vanities. Maybe this art, in all its fading glory, is what Ecclesiastes calls hebel: something vaporous, fleeting, and impossible to hold. A chasing after wind. 

Sposalizio della Vergine (The Marriage of the Virgin) by Enea Salmeggia (1599). The Altar of Saint Joseph (Altare di San Giuseppe) located along the left aisle inside the Milan Duomo. The monumental marble framework surrounding the painting was designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Pellegrino Tibaldi. The Statues: The figures represent Aaron on the left (depicted as the High Priest of Israel in formal vestments) and King David on the right (traditionally holding his prophetic harp).

Solomon's Perspective

The connection between the great art of the Duomo and Solomon's cry of "Meaningless!" isn't about frustration or nihilism. It's about perspective.

Our life's work matters deeply—but not ultimately. To everything there is a time, a purpose, a reason—this itself is a gift from God.

But ultimately, only what is done unto the Lord—no matter how amazing it may be—has lasting value.

Solomon had reached the mountaintop. He was king of the world. He achieved everything his heart desired. Then he stood at the summit of success and questioned what it ultimately amounted to.

I think about all the effort I pour into my music projects like Keep the Faith. Hours. Attention to detail. Nowhere near the excellence of the masters, but it's the best I can do. And that's not nothing.

That work might be recognized or ignored. Either way, it's not meaningless. It's being faithful to a vision and a calling.

Solomon's perspective changes how we evaluate our life's work. It may not be as great or important as we think or hope.

But it still has value.

The Marriage of the Virgin by Enea Salmeggia . A tight, detailed view focusing on the central figures—Saint Joseph on the left and the Virgin Mary on the right exchanging vows, with the High Priest standing between them and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove above Joseph.

Made to Create

The God who made us imago Dei—in His image—invites us to partner with Him in making this world a better place.

God's creative energy is uncontainable and embeds its imprint upon those who bear His image.

We make because the creative unction of the Divine Maker drives us.

The glory of the Eternal One never fades.

Our calling is to make our unique contribution to His ongoing creative work, whether anyone applauds or forgets.

And that's what the cathedral artists did. Generations poured their lives into work knowing they might never see the final result. They devoted themselves to excellence, diligence, and craftsmanship.

The Madonnina (translated as "the Little Madonna") is a  gold-gilded copper statue of the Virgin Mary perched at the absolute highest point of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). By ancient tradition, no building in Milan was permitted to stand taller than the Madonnina.

Steadfast: Soli Deo gloria

The cathedral is still magnificent. Michelangelo's work still astonishes. A beautiful song is still worth making. Excellence is still worth pursuing. The work of our hands is still worth doing with all our might.

But none of it lasts forever. And that's ok. Soli Deo gloria. To the glory of God.

So my friend, stay steadfast, work unto the Lord, and keep the faith—all the vaporous, "meaningless" days of your life. (See Ecclesiastes 9:9-10).

Listen to "Keep The Faith." The songs that inspired the Steadfast devotional series.  

The themes of this devotional series are reflected in the songs I wrote for the album Keep the Faith — a six-song studio EP recorded with live musicians (and no AI !). These are scripture-based songs of resilience forged in seasons of trial and fragility, where doubt and deep longing turn to trust.

Take a moment to listen to "Keep The Faith" → [link]

ABOUT THE STEADFAST DEVOTIONAL SERIES: 

Since the beginning of this year, we have been exploring what it means to live with steadfast faith. Steadfastness is a character trait essential to growing in spiritual maturity. These companion essays include:

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