I close my eyes and I can hear more than see. The tall columns of the cathedral are majestic. The stain glass pictures trigger waves of meditative thought even when my mind was busily consumed by events past, present, and future. Incense and candles burning continuously reinforced the affirmation that one was in a sacred space. Yet it was the tracker organ that captured my soul.
As the unknown player continued to work through the Bach composition, I imagined that for whoever was working the keys and pedals it was a dress rehearsal. The feelings that came through each note, the force of the lower notes, and the building crescendo dominated every part of my being! By the time the final notes were in sight I was transfixed. Even now, I close my eyes and the last note’s sustain still reverberates within me, soothing, cajoling, reminding me of all that that I believe to be true.
Compassion is the cornerstone of every relationship. Unconditional acceptance of one with another is key to the foundation. Community is the blood and thread that ties everything together. Our collective purpose is to show these truths, to make the world a better place.
I recall never wanting to leave the cathedral. I wanted the moment to last forever and then at least one day longer. Even then I knew that to stay was for let go of our purpose; to show truth and made the world a better place. As I struggled in that moment it was as if I heard a chorus sung by others standing where I now stood. “Blessed be the Lord – day after day he carries us along.” (Psalm 68.19)
I know there will be dark days. I understand that life will be chaotic and at times overwhelming. The theme in the heart of the blues is tangibly real and devastating. In all this, we are called to act with Divinity at our side. The reminding sustain lasts and lasts, the vibrations repeating themselves in the hearts that remember; in all forms, God with us.
