We need to move on to Firenze, but before we do, I did want to share one of the most famous of all sights in Roma, the Pantheon. The engineering to build this open dome is/was amazing.
The hole in the dome, the "oculus" admits light and vents heat and humidity, and I guess smoke at times. They say that only a small amount of rain comes in because the current of escaping air reduces its entry. And that is good because if you look down, you see some of the most beautiful floors in all the world.
There are two small drains in the floor, but they are small and don't really detract from the beauty of the marble floors. And speaking of beauty, the Italian painters set the bar. Below is one of the favorite paintings in a church of course. Brian Evans, national co-director loves this work by Carvaggio. It depicts the martyrdom of the disciple Matthew. As often happens, the artist painted his own face into one of those portrayed.
And this ought to be a good reminder for us. We carry in our pockets the nails that hung Jesus on the cross. We are guilty sinners saved solely by the grace of G^d.
Thanks be to G^d for His grace and mercy.
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