Any of us, at any time of the year, struggle with the feeling of joy. But the one-two punch of Christmas and New Year’s --- both draped with heavy idealism and optimism--- is especially challenging. The media is no help, with its serious-to-silly “Best and Worst of the Year in Review” time and space killers, reminding us mostly of what’s been lost and what asses human beings can be, especially as a group.
So this morning, with assassinations and riots spicing up the normal hash of murder, rape, slander and greed, how can I sustain, or even begin to have, this constant condition of JOY?
First, I have to believe that God/Cosmos maintains a balance of plusses and negatives throughout the physical and spiritual worlds (when, O when can we stop dividing them!) The more optimistic among us would say that good outbalances the evil if we could tally it up properly. Here’s a monk in one of Buechner’s novels:
“Sometimes this star is still. Sometimes she dances. She is Mary’s star. Within that little pool of water she winks at me. I wink at her. The secret that we share I cannot tell in full. But this much I will tell. What’s lost is nothing to what’s found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”
Second, I can’t wage huge crusades against these unspeakable crimes and horrors. In my humble and seemingly inconsequential day-to-day meetings with people, I must try in some little way to had some weight to the good, compassionate, caring, and –yes---joyful side of the equation.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
"Come and Behold Him" by Frederick Buechner
The longer I live, the more inclined I am to believe in miracles, the more I suspect that if we had been there at the birth, we might well have seen and heard things that would be hard to reconcile with modern science…
Whether there were ten million angels there or just the woman herself and her husband when that child was born, the whole course of history was changed. That is a fact as hard and blunt as any fact. Art, Music, Literature, our political institutions, our whole understanding of ourselves and our world --- it is impossible to conceive of how differently world history would have developed if that child had not been born.
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“Ice splits starwise,” Sir Thomas Browne wrote. A tap of the pick at the right point, and fissures shoot out in all directions, and the solid block falls in two at the star. The child is born, and history itself falls in two at the star. Whether you believe or do not believe, you date your letters and checks and income tax forms with a number representing how many years have gone by since what happened happened. The world of A.D. is one world, and the world of B.C. is another.
It has given birth to a quality of life in an astonishing variety of people over an astonishing period of time. Somewhere along the line something deep in them split starwise and they became not simply followers of Christ, but bearers of his life.
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“Adeste Fidelis” is the only answer I know for people who want to find out for themselves whether or not this is true. Have faith enough, hope enough, despair enough, foolishness enough at least to draw near and see for yourselves.
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The final secret, I think, is this: “You shall love the Lord your God” becomes in the end less a command than a promise.”
Whether there were ten million angels there or just the woman herself and her husband when that child was born, the whole course of history was changed. That is a fact as hard and blunt as any fact. Art, Music, Literature, our political institutions, our whole understanding of ourselves and our world --- it is impossible to conceive of how differently world history would have developed if that child had not been born.
-----------------------------------------
“Ice splits starwise,” Sir Thomas Browne wrote. A tap of the pick at the right point, and fissures shoot out in all directions, and the solid block falls in two at the star. The child is born, and history itself falls in two at the star. Whether you believe or do not believe, you date your letters and checks and income tax forms with a number representing how many years have gone by since what happened happened. The world of A.D. is one world, and the world of B.C. is another.
It has given birth to a quality of life in an astonishing variety of people over an astonishing period of time. Somewhere along the line something deep in them split starwise and they became not simply followers of Christ, but bearers of his life.
------------------------------------------------
“Adeste Fidelis” is the only answer I know for people who want to find out for themselves whether or not this is true. Have faith enough, hope enough, despair enough, foolishness enough at least to draw near and see for yourselves.
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The final secret, I think, is this: “You shall love the Lord your God” becomes in the end less a command than a promise.”
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
In Dulce Jubilo
In Dulci Jubilo
In dulci jubilo Let us our homage show;
Our heart's joy reclineth in praesepio
And like a bright star shineth, Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O, Alpha es et O.
O Jesu parvule! I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech thee, O puer optime!
My prayer let it reach thee,/ O Princeps gloriae!
Trahe me post te! Trahe me post te!
O Patris caritas, O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained Per nostra crimina;
But thou hast for us gained Coelorum gaudia.
O that we were there! O that we were there!
Ubi sunt gaudia, if that they be not there?
There are angels singing - Nova cantica,
And there the bells are ringing In Regis curia:
O that we were there, O that we were there.
In dulci jubilo Let us our homage show;
Our heart's joy reclineth in praesepio
And like a bright star shineth, Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O, Alpha es et O.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Gabriel's Message
“Be it unto me according to thy will,” she says, and jewels blossom like morning glories on the arch above them. Everything has turned to gold.
A golden angel. A golden girl. They are caught up together in a stately, golden dance. Their faces are grave. From a golden cloud between them and above, the Leader of the dance looks on.
The announcement has been made and heard. The world is with child.”
Fredrick Buechner
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Our Absurd Lives
"To pray is to listen to the voice of love. Without listening, we become "deaf" to the voice of love. The Latin word for deaf is surdus. To be completely deaf is to be absurdus, yes, absurd. When we no longer pray, no longer listen to the voice of love that speaks to us in the moment, our lives become absurd lives in which we are thrown back and forth between the past and the future.
If we could just be, for a few moments each day, fully where we are, we would indeed discover that we are not alone and that the One who is with us wants only one thing: to give us love."
--------Henri J.M. Nouwen
"Here and Now"
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Messiaen: "Regarde de Etoile" [The Gaze of the Star] From "Twenty Reflections on the Infant Jesus"
"The fall of Grace: the Star shines innocently, surmounted by a Cross…
Three large crescendi[like fireworks, or rainbows] sweep over the piano keys – in between, the chant of the star and the cross. First in two part presentation, then a single line with “star-cloud chords” above, and finally a chordal presentation."
In this long work for solo piano, a treatise on the Incarnation, The Star and The Cross share the same musical theme and always occur together.
I really consider the entire"Vingt Regard sur L'Enfant Jesus" to be the most intriguing and profoundly theological music since Bach's "St. Matthew's Passion" but don't let that scare you---- it's a fun composition, full of joy and musical fireworks.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The "O" Antiphons of Advent
The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil.
The importance of “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.
According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, “Tomorrow, I will come.” So the “O Antiphons” not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion.
O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).
O Adonai: “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.” (11:4-5); and “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.” (33:22).
O Radix Jesse: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).
O Clavis David: “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” Isaiah had prophesied, AI will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open.” (22:22), and “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).
O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).
O Rex Gentium: “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .
O Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
[Text by Fr. William Saunders,Catholic Education Resource Center]
The importance of “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.
According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, “Tomorrow, I will come.” So the “O Antiphons” not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion.
"O Sapiens" - "O Wisdom"- Dec.17
O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).
"O Adonai" - "O Lord" - Dec.18
O Adonai: “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.” (11:4-5); and “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.” (33:22).
"O Radix Jesse" - "O Root of Jesse" - Dec.19
O Radix Jesse: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).
"O Clavis David" - "O Key of David" - Dec.20
O Clavis David: “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” Isaiah had prophesied, AI will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open.” (22:22), and “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).
"O Oriens" - "O Dawn" - Dec.21
O Oriens: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).
"O Rex Gentium" -"O King of Nations" - Dec.22
O Rex Gentium: “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .
"O Emmanuel" - Dec.23
O Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
[Text by Fr. William Saunders,Catholic Education Resource Center]
Monday, December 3, 2007
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