Dear Caldwell,
On Sunday, we began together to focus on what it means to have the mind, heart and body of Christ. One of the most poignant aspects of Holy Week for me is the profound inner conflict Jesus felt in the tension between his divine and human natures. And, while it may sound utterly presumptuous to attempt to have the mind or the heart of Christ, any attempt to do so can have no other effect than to draw us closer to Christ and God’s will for us. In that spirit, I offer a passage from “The Imitation of Christ,” a devotional classic by Thomas Kempis, a 14th century monk (so we forgive his time-bound gender language). Think about it in relation to the rejection Christ endured yet found strength in the Godhead. We can do the same. It is brief, which means it’s good for repetition and meditation.
“When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God, Who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolation of men.”
Speaking of monks … A Note from Anne Hunter-Eidson:
A couple of weeks ago, Jim Curtis and I were asked to lead the Thursday night Contemplative Prayer group in music from Taizé, a monastic, ecumenical community in France that is known around the world for its simple, beautiful music and worship and its authentic, hope-filled atmosphere. This music is similar to chant: it is simple, repetitive, and intended to be sung as meditative prayer. However, these harmonies are richer than traditional chant, and the beautiful melodies are meant to be easily learned and sung by all. This remarkable community was founded sixty years ago by Brother Roger, a man who sought to model reconciliation by forming this ecumenical community as a response to the horrors of World War II. As soon as he formed this community, Brother Roger began not only hiding Jews who were trying to escape occupied France, but also sneaking bread into the pockets of captured German soldiers whom he had just led in worship at their camps. Although over one hundred thousand people travel to Taizé each year, seeking to worship, learn and dialogue with others from around the world, it is primarily intended to be a place for older teenagers and young adults.
Caldwell Contemplative Prayer participants also found this music of Taizé to be meaningful and felt the wider Caldwell congregation would appreciate it as well, so it will be part of tomorrow night’s Maundy Thursday service. Here’s a link to one song we’ll sing: http://youtu.be/t4Svh-9ohg4. It is my hope that singing together will deepen our prayers as we contemplate the love displayed through Christ’s suffering and death as well as the joy and hope of Easter morning. I’ll be eager to hear your feedback after experiencing this music Thursday night!