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Eternal Life Through the Spirit
https://www.graceboca.org/spiritualgifts
A reading adapted from the letter of Paul to the Romans 5:1-5; 8:5
Let us have peace through the Divine Creator and our brother Jesus Christ whom we have gained access to grace through faith. We now stand in the hope of being a part of the spiritual glory of God. We know suffering can bring about growth, perseverance, character, and hope that does not put us to shame because the Creator’s love has been poured into our hearts creating a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have set their minds on what the flesh desires; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on what the Spirit desires.
A reading adapted from the writings of John Witte: [Thriving through Suffering]
We remember the saints and martyrs whose eternal spirit lives on in Christian memory every year on November 1st. When Jesus first called his disciples, he warned them they would suffer with Him, wherever their path would take them. His commandment “to love one another as I have loved you” became the key to making the most of their lives so that the kingdom of heaven could be manifested on earth (John 15). We can only imagine the perseverance, character, and hope that an alternative existence was possible to rise above the trials and tribulations in the face of oppressive fear, hardship, and suffering of the times they lived in.
The same remains true for us. It is a calling for deep reflection of what it means to make the most of one’s life. Being in community with other believers, opportunities surface to talk about day-to-day life, to listen deeply, and ask for wisdom when making decisions so our actions reflect the love that is inscribed in the Living Word. John Witte offers guidance to help us to live according to the Spirit and thrive in times of suffering:
· focus beyond that which we can see with our eyes,
· seize moments that will never come our way again,
· walk with the Spirit so our material wants do not overwhelm us, and
· pause to revisit our priorities as did the saints
Now immortal and resting in eternal life, the Legacy of Saints continues to be a guiding light for our community so we can make the most of our lives amidst the joys and suffering that will come our way.
A reading adapted from the writings of John Phillip Newell [The Great Search]
We follow All Saints Day with a celebration of All Souls Day on November 2nd. This is another celebration of the promise and mystery of eternal life for everyone. It stirs a longing for an expanded vision of the Universe and a quest to have a deeper understanding of the cyclical seasons of life and Creation. As believers we yearn to grow in awareness, to find wellness, and to delight in love over despair. We long for the recovery of wisdom, to find meaning in the joy and pain of life, and for a reimagined faith in immortal light that shines in all things. Celebrating liturgies and these feast days together helps to reawaken a deeper sense of spiritual presence in every moment we encounter.
Intentions
If you wish to do so, please name a saint, or loved one and share a gift of wisdom they bestowed upon you so that we may all be grateful and blessed through your awareness.
Closing Prayer
May the souls of the departed, through the mercy of the Divine Creator, be granted eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
Closing Song: Dante’s Prayer – Loreena McKennitt
Featured with the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir led by Nikolai Korniev
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUHvj1cxOs0
Lyrics
When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone
I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and the fire
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Oh …
Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars
Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Please remember me. Please remember me. Please remember me.
Please remember me. Please remember me. Please remember me.
Please remember me
The Meaning Behind The Song: Dante’s Prayer by Loreena McKennitt
By Jennifer Bell, May 8, 2024
Loreena McKennitt’s hauntingly beautiful composition, “Dante’s Prayer,” is a profound musical journey that delves into the depths of human emotions and spirituality. She drew inspiration from her deep fascination with Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, “The Divine Comedy.” The spiritual and philosophical themes explored in Dante’s work resonated deeply with McKennitt, and she sought to encapsulate its essence in her musical composition.
The song’s lyrical tapestry weaves together themes of faith, love, and the transcendent power of art. With its evocative imagery and soul-stirring melodies, “Dante’s Prayer” invites listeners to embark on a contemplative voyage through the complexities of the human experience.
In the opening verses, McKennitt masterfully paints a picture of a solitary traveler navigating through a dark and overgrown forest, a metaphor for life’s challenges and uncertainties. The priests of pride represent societal norms and conventions that often dictate there is only one path to follow. However, the protagonist chooses to till the “sorrows of stone,” a powerful metaphor for the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles. Through these vivid verses, McKennitt sets the stage for a profound exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to find light in the darkest of moments.
As the song progresses, the narrative shifts towards a revelation of love’s transformative power. The dawn, once seemingly lost, is rediscovered through the celestial illumination of stars. This metaphor of celestial light serves as a powerful symbol of hope and redemption. The ocean and the sea are invoked, suggesting the boundless nature of love and its ability to offer solace in times of darkness. The lyrics beautifully convey the idea that love, like the vast expanse of the ocean, has the capacity to heal and provide sanctuary for the weary soul.
Reflecting a fusion of cultural influences that encompasses elements of Celtic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean musical traditions these diverse influences add depth and richness to the composition, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with a global audience.
https://beatcrave.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-dantes-prayer-by-loreena-mckennitt/
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