Justin Appel

'God looks down from heaven upon us all,
to see if there is any that is wise,
if there is one who seeks after God.'
- Psalm 53:2

Dear Friends,

This short phrase from this morning's psalms bring to mind a simple reality: God sees things from a different point of view than the rest of us. In a sense, much of the work of spiritual development is bound up in learning to share God's eternal perspective, or at least, to become aware of eternity as we endure and return the ineffable and loving gaze of God.

This idea connects in my mind to a favorite musical composition by the English composer John Tavener (1944-2013). This work weds the poetry of William Blake to the word 'Alleluia' (in Greek), while combining an other-worldly soprano solo and an ensemble of Baroque instruments and bells. In this case, Tavener thought of the voice as representing the earth at the lowest level, while the handbells represent the angels at an intermediate level, and the strings represent heaven at the highest level.

Whether you follow this typology or not, I think one cannot fail to appreciate the way Tavener weds the images of the poetry to the concept of eternity. I hope this music lends some perspective to your morning.

Blessings,
Justin

ETERNITY'S SUNRISE
To see a World in a Grain of Sand,
Alleluia.
He who kisses the joy as it flies,

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Alleluia.

Lives in Eternity's Sunrise,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
Alleluia.

He who kisses the joy as it flies,
And Eternity in an hour,
Alleluia.

Lives in Eternity's sunrise.