In the Great Silence…

I have been trying to hear the heart of the Divine in the everyday moments. And in the Great Silence, too.

Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed, we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about, for the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
James 5:7-11. NRSV

I don’t pretend to have a full understanding of the Mind of the Infinite, the Transcendent, the Immortal. I do know that there is a journey that happens in the human heart as we wait. It can result in personal growth and change, or unending bitterness and resentment. (And my prayer for each of us is the former.)

The period known as Holy Week for Christians has moments of celebration and silence. As humans, most of us are not so great at the Great Silence, the period between Good Friday and Easter morning. However you observe the moments of reflection and worship, may they renew you. May you know the deepest reach of Divine care.

In previous years, I was working most of the days leading up to Easter, driving to see patients or preparing for services. This year, I have the rare privilege of sitting and listening to the St. Matthew Passion by JS Bach. The chorales are rich in content and reflection. I’ve added the text to some of the ones I find most meaningful. You can listen to one presentation of the Passion here.

Receive me, my Redeemer, My shepherd, make me Thine.
Of every good, the fountain, Thou art the spring of mine.
How oft Thy words have fed me with milk and sweetened fare,
How oft Thy grace hath led me with gentle, heavenly care.
(Translation of the chorale Erkenne mich, mein Hüter)

Commit thy way to Jesus, thy burdens and thy cares.
He from them all releases, He all thy sorrows shares.
He gives the winds their courses, and bounds the oceans’ shore.
He suffers not temptation to rise beyond thy power.
(Translation of the chorale Befiehl du deine Wege)

O sacred head now wounded with grief and shame weighed down.
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns Thine only crown.
How pale Thou art with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn?
How does that Visage languish which once was bright as morn?

What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain.
Oh mine was the transgression but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior, ’tis I deserve Thy place.
Look on me with Thy favor; vouchsafe to me Thy grace

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this, Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee!
(Translation of O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden)