Monday, \u00a0January 29<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Thou takest pleasure in my singing . . .\u00a0\u201c \u00a0 Tagore Gitanjali # 2<\/p>\n
This Monday we begin the last week of this year\u2019s January, \u00a0an ordinary work week perhaps, the out of the ordinary tempo that begins around Christmas and continues through the turning of the year has come and gone. \u00a0 In the Catholic tradition of liturgy, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany give way to what is called \u201cOrdinary Time.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0Lives settle in to more ordinary work and ordinary life. \u00a0 Even this morning\u2019s light snow feels soothing and undramatic (at least to snow-lovers like me).<\/p>\n
Our lives, however, remain alive with commitments and courage, anxiety and relief; \u00a0ordinary lives are beautiful and run deep. \u00a0Maybe that\u2019s why one of Rabindranath Tagore\u2019s most surprising poems asked for attention today, \u00a0Gitanjali\u00a0# 2,\u00a0an invitation to set aside dis-affection and shyness, to risk the singing that makes you beautiful.<\/p>\n
Best to read the poem out loud, with pauses.<\/p>\n
Have a blest week,<\/p>\n
john sj<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s post: \u00a0Rabindranath Tagore<\/p>\n
When Thou commandest me to sing
\nit seems that my heart would break with pride
\nand I look to Thy face
\nand tears come to my eyes.<\/p>\n
All that is harsh and dissonant in my life
\nmelts into one sweet harmony
\nand my adoration spreads wings like a glad bird
\non its flight across the sea.<\/p>\n
I know Thou takest pleasure in my singing
\nI know that only as a singer I come before Thy presence
\nI touch by the edge of the far spreading wing of my song
\nThy feet which I could never aspire to reach.<\/p>\n
Drunk with the joy of singing
\nI forget myself
\nand call Thee friend
\nwho art my lord.<\/p>\n
Tagore\u00a0\u00a0Gitanjali\u00a0 # 2<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Monday, \u00a0January 29 \u201cI know Thou takest pleasure in my singing . . .\u00a0\u201c \u00a0 Tagore Gitanjali # 2 This Monday we begin the last week of this year\u2019s January, \u00a0an ordinary work week perhaps, the out of the ordinary … Continue reading