Two Melodies

Now I understand that there are two melodies playing, one below the other, one easier to hear, the other lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present… (Annie Lighthart, “The Second Music”)

Dear Friend,

The “two melodies” that Annie Lighthart writes about in the poem quoted above help me understand what developing a prayerful heart might look like. We move to one melody as we give our attention to the day-to-day unfolding of our lives - tasks, responsibilities, and many unexpected developments. At the same time, our awareness, sensitivity, and most importantly our trust can grow in response to a second melody: God’s grace woven in; God’s artistry at work, through it all. 

In fact, “through it all” is a great little phrase that appears in our Gospel reading for this weekend with reference to what Jesus presents in his description of the Kingdom of God. Like a seed God’s kingdom sprouts and grows through it all, we know not how. We’re invited to be part of it, to pay attention and adapt accordingly – harvest time is coming. God’s initiative - God’s hidden presence and sustenance – is bringing about a new creation.

In Annie Lighthart’s poem, this new creation carries a “faithful” sound, “always present.” Like the seed, it is directed to the truth of our lives, that is, to the unique contribution each one of us has to make as part of God’s great plan. As we listen to each other and gather for prayer this month especially - in the spirit of “affirmative inquiry” and parish-wide conversation – we can be courageous, as Paul writes. God is doing something new, allowing us to “put forth branches and bear fruit.”

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor