To say something is gaudy usually means that it is overly ornate or showy, to the point of being tasteless. The word has a negative tinge to it, and often appears in the form “It’s too gaudy!” However, the word comes from describing things by comparing them to the highly original works of the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926).

I had never cared much for his buildings and felt that our understanding of the word gaudy described them perfectly, at least judging from pictures. My mind changed when I saw some of them in person. I would like show you why by describing his masterpiece: the huge Catholic cathedral-like church, the Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona. The citizens of Barcelona justifiably take immense pride in it.

Construction on the building started in 1882 and continues to this day with the hope that the building will be completed in the not too distant future, maybe by 2035. From the outside, as these pictures attest, the building looks, well, gaudy, and maybe even grotesque.

You can see more from this view of the spires; eventually there will be 18 representing in ascending height the 12 disciples, the Virgin Mary, the four evangelists and Jesus Christ.
Inside, however, there isn’t a touch of gaudy; instead it manages to be inspiring and awesome.

Thousands of tourists go through the building daily, but while in the building all are silent and reverent. The supporting pillars are meant to represent trees reaching towards heaven. They direct your eyes upward towards stained glass openings representing light from above. I’ve been in many beautiful gothic cathedrals, but the inside of the Sagrada Familia was the least gaudy; every part of its design helped direct my thoughts towards God. Pictures can only do so much, but I hope that these will help direct you towards God, also.

Following the message of Psalm 123:1, we should lift our eyes up to God who is enthroned in the heavens. There are many gaudy things in life that can distract us from God, but Gaudi himself has helped many to look upward. Please read Psalm 123 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim