Vatican II at 50 - Haste Makes Waste
Spring is coming early this year according to the original prognosticating rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, who failed to see his shadow last weekend on Groundhog Day. That means we can expect milder temperatures for the rest of the winter. Some parts of the United States have already been experiencing warmer winters. In the Black Hills of South Dakota rising temperatures have made it easier for sculptors working on the world’s largest mountain carving. The Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the legendary Lakota leader and his culture will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high when it is finished. The work was started by famous New England sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in June of 1948. Nearly 65 years later, the work continues. There is no telling when the carving will be finished. Ziolkowski wasn’t concerned about that. Ziolkoswki vowed never to take government money to finish the carving, even if that money would mean finishing more quickly. He said all that mattered was that the work continue and that progress be made. At the time of his death in 1982, Ziolkowski’s parting words to his wife were, “You must work on the mountain—but go slowly so you do it right.” Ziolkowski’s message was that works of art take time.
We could call the Second Vatican Council a work of art. Vatican II was expected to last one or two periods covering several months. But, the Council lasted four + years, beginning October 11, 1962 and ending on December 8, 1965. Four constitutions, nine decrees and three declarations were produced which would influence our relationship with God, with each other and with the world for time immemorial. Much of this would not have happened if the Council Fathers had been in a mad rush to finish.
