I heard these words today at Mass, spoken to blind Bartimaus in the gospel reading, as if spoken to me. "Take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you." He is calling us all, all of us, each and every one who humbly cries out to him to come and help us in our infirmity. It is interesting to me to note the similarity between blind Bartimaus' prayer response and the traditional Jesus prayer one version of which is "Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Both are humble cries for help, both are addressed to the same saving Lord. Both prayers are the cry of hearts who know their deep need. There have been some times in my life, even recently, when all I could manage to pray was this Jesus Prayer. It is enough.
I also heard today that wonderful English hymn, with words by George Herbert and featuring a haunting melodic setting by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The title of the melody is as tantalizing as the musical notes themselves. I wish I was techno-saavy enough to provide you a link to the composition. But the words alone will have to suffice. It's simply entitled "the Call."
You'll forgive me if I share all three stanzas:
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a way as gives us breath;
Such a truth as ends all strife;
Such a life as killeth death.
Come my Light, my Feast, my Strength;
Such a light as shows a feast;
Such a feast as mends in length;
Such a strength as makes his guest.
Come my Joy, my Love, my Heart;
Such a joy as none as come move;
Such a love as none can part;
Such a heart as joys in love.
Tonight I pray again "Come, Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Phil,
That hymn is one of my favorites... but I never knew the name! Thanks for printing it. It is a haunting song.
Phil,
That hymn is one of my favorites... but I never knew the name! Thanks for printing it. It is a haunting song.
I would love to know more about why/ how George Herbert wrote the words and how Ralph Vaughan Williams concocted that tune. t gives me chills too.
I'll let you know what I discover.
hola again *smile*
i am a catholic myself, since birth. the last few years i have had a rocky ride with my faith and seek to discover it back. i couldn't stand the fact that it relies on trusting what you cannot see. but everyday, we see little acts of kindness around the world that reflect God's grace. no doubt there is suffering too.
i have regained a little faith back. but i still question the full validity of my faith. not only mine, but all the rest that cease to exist.
i too feel the Roman Catholic path is the closest to Jesus. i have even said, 'i was born a Roman Catholic, and i shall die one too.'
i guess i believe in Jesus, because there are written accounts of him. but it is hard to believe God exists. and he created us in his image. but then again, God and Jesus are one and the same. so by right, I should believe in God too.
i do not want to be Thomas, who wouldn't believe until he could put his hands through the holes of His palms..I am not asking for a miracle. I am waiting for something to be discovered in myself, in time and tide. i do not know how long will it be, when will it be, or if i ever will. i am on my way there, but not quite reaching..
God bless~
Magdalene-Sophie:
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. Although a convert, I too have had a few difficulties over these last 8 years. I stay here in the Roman Communion partially because it is where forgiveness happens for me. However, it is difficult sometimes to let that forgiveness extend to others. That is all the more reason for me to stay and to pray.
No worries *smile*
i do not mind revealing a little about myself. after all, you don't know me, and I don't know you :)
in my own blog, you can come to understand me through my pieces, but i don't reveal much about myself verbatim.
i found your blog by pure accident and i am liking it:)
hope it will help strengthen the little faith i have in me now.
thank you.
Post a Comment