One the most thought provoking Catholic Art works I have seen.

Last weekend I was in Las Vegas doing an experiment for work.  I decided to go to Mass at the parish on "The Strip."  Guardian Angel Cathedral.  When I walked in the first thing I saw was this gigantic mural.  At first I really did not care for it.  I thought it was way too new agey and strange.  The more I looked at it though the more it made me think.  It is probably the most thought provoking Catholic art I have ever seen.  I took these phtotos with my phone so please excuse the quality. 

First off notice the crucifix in the front hanging from the ceiling.  This is kind of the normal thing you would see in a church.  Behind it though is this big mural.  When you sit in the pews in the middle of the church you look through the cross onto the mural.  It is kind of like the crucifix is an invitation to another world.  I believe the mural is the artist's interpretation of heaven.  It is really kind of interesting.  Now let's look at the various characters starting with the tall guy in the middle. 

Now let's take a look at his friends.
First notice that most of the other people in the mural are coupled up.  I suspect these are married couples in heaven.  Now there is no marriage so to speak in heaven but I don't see why they can't still be friends.  Each of the coupled up pairs do seem to feature a masculine individual and a feminine individual.  Next, right below Jesus you see a larger single person.  I suspect this is a single person who chose to accept a vocation to the religious life.  This is why they are so close to Jesus and larger.  

Lastly, to the sides there are these kind of small paired up flying beings.  I am not sure if they are people or angels or what.  I am not to sure.  Maybe they are humans who did not recieve/accept as much of the heavenly life.  I am not too sure.  I think they are kind of interesting to ponder. 

At the end of the day I have never seen religious art that made me think so much.  This is a very interesting mural for me because it helps spur me to envision the life of heaven and hope.  I hope you enjoy this mural as much as I did.