Occasionally I listen to a podcast called “The God Minute”. These are daily prayer and meditation programs that last 10-15 minutes. They are a wonderful way to help me focus on God and on sacred things. And they often feature wonderfully curated, beautiful music that draws your thoughts heavenward. One of the songs from today's podcast caught my attention.

The song is called “On the Nature of Daylight” and is performed by VOCES8 on their album “Nightfall” released in 2024. VOCES8 is an a capella octet from England and their music is, in a word, divine.

I decided to listen to the entire album today while I worked. And then I listened to two more of their albums!

But the song that brought me to tears is from that same album “Nightfall” and is called “Even When He Is Silent” by Kim André Arnesen.

Here are the lyrics:

I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining I believe in love, even when I feel it not I believe in God, even when He is silent

Here is the recording by VOCES8:

And here is a beautiful performance of the piece by St. Olaf Choir:

This song was a desperately needed lifeline for me – a timely gift from a loving God. It resonated with me on a deeply personal level and expresses my current spiritual, mental, and emotional state better than words ever could.

The description of the St. Olaf Choir video says the text of the lyrics was found in a concentration camp after World War II. I wanted to know more about that, and a web search revealed many different stories and explanations for the text's origin. But I found a blog post that seems well-researched and says the original text – somewhat different from the lyrics of the song – was likely found in Cologne, scratched on the wall of an underground passageway that likely served as a refuge from the Gestapo.

I believe in the sun, though it be dark; I believe in God, though He be silent; I believe in neighborly love, though it be unable to reveal itself.

Whatever the circumstances or origins, the words and music are profound and moving. And exactly what I needed today.

I daresay it's also what the world needs today.

#100DaysToOffload (No. 143) #faith #Lent #Christianity #music

I didn't sleep well last night. My first church meeting was at 7am this morning and it was another busy day. I also had to take allergy medicine, which always makes me feel tired. Needless to say, I'm running on fumes a couple hours before my normal bedtime.

I have good moments on these busy Sundays, but I spend much of the day feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. I also feel hypocritical. Like I'm putting on a show when a battle is raging inside me. I'm as conflicted as ever.

I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up appearances. Should I ask to be released from my calling while I focus on figuring things out? Or should I hang on and trust that things will get better?

I'm just tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

But I know I'm not the first to feel this way. I also know that there is One who knows exactly what I'm experiencing because He also experienced it on my behalf. Jesus Christ has been the one unfailing constant through all of this turmoil. I may feel like I'm going to sink beneath the waves any moment, but I know that as long as I do my best to keep my gaze focused on Him and follow Him, He won't let me drown.

#100DaysToOffload (No. 142) #faith #Lent #Christianity

I woke up to the news that the USA and Israel launched a major military strike against Iran. It is natural to feel worry and fear over what this might mean not only for innocent people in Iran, but of the surrounding region and even the world. And then I read the Daily Readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Today's Gospel reading is from Matthew 5:43-48.

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

It is heartbreaking that this is still a radical idea almost two thousand years after it was taught by Our Lord.

War is incompatible with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

I am a proponent of nonviolence and have been following several organizations dedicated to activism, teaching, and promotion of peace and nonviolence.

One of the organizations I have learned about is a Catholic organization called Pax Christi International. From their website:

Pax Christi International is the global Catholic peace movement dedicated to promoting Gospel nonviolence, justice, and reconciliation rooted in Catholic social teaching.   For decades, Pax Christi International has been calling for a deep reflection on the failure of war and violence and for investment in effective nonviolent tools for reconciliation to nurture the just peace essential to alleviating intense human suffering.

Today, Pax Christi issued a statement condemning military strikes against Iran and calling for deescalation, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.

Pax Christi also referred to their Pax Christi International Declaration on Iran, published on February 11th. I encourage you to read it.

I am grateful that there are Christians of good conscience everywhere who are willing to stand up and state clearly the doctrine of Christ, calling for love, understanding, and peace in the face of war.

#100DaysToOffload (No. 141) #faith #Lent #Christianity #politics