Poem: Meeting the Divine

Do you feel it?

How it touches you?

The soft, curving strokes of a brush

painting hues of lively blush.

The complexion of some inglorious girl

or noblewoman adorned with pearls.

Do you hear it?

How it fills the room?

The harmony vibrating in your bones,

breaking the barriers language knows.

A connection made in heart's devotions

found only when the soul has spoken.

Did you find it?

Or did it find you?

The gentle call of a loving Savior

leading you to a path much greater.

The lurid appeal of foolishness

replaced by pursuit of holiness.

Now you believe it,

that He lives in you.

You see Him in the blooming flowers,

when celestial dance crowns midnight hours,

yet beauty's highest form is God alone

and holiness is found at his throne.

As I pondered the pursuit of holiness and why mankind is drawn to beauty, I wrote this poem which attempts to convey the interconnectedness of the good things that man creates, and how they find their fullness in God. When we see a particularly well executed piece of artwork or hear a soulful song, they speak to us in ways that often feel deeper than words, they speak to our spirit, the connection that we all share through the Imago Dei.

When God created mankind, he placed them in the garden to be his representatives and continue his creative work of life. This work both connects us to God in a special way, and also to each other. While we don't always feel this, it shines out when people pursue this higher form of work, God's work of giving life. I feel this especially when I step into an exquisite church, or when I hear a song of praise or lamentation to God in a tongue that I do not speak.

These things orient us towards God and stir our souls to seek the holiness we find in Him, for He is the highest good, He is that which we pursue, that which unites us. It is in our Lord that we feel the greatest connection, an unspoken understanding that we are of the same body, serving the same Master.

Let us not let our differences, opinions, and judgements divide us, but rather seek together the one who made us, and do the work He has set before us, to bring life and flourishing through whatever we do, knowing that he has redeemed the world and is making all things new.

"Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen"

Book of Common Prayer, 2019

Painting is Loving God by Joseph Cantin