Blessed by the Messiah
Memorial Day is far more than the celebration of the coming of summer, but also one filled with sadness for families who have lost sons or daughters in war.
As I have gotten older, I have become much more aware of that sadness. I felt especially sad this Memorial Day, and the cold, gloomy weather certainly didn’t help. The one shining event of the day was to be the premiere release of the Self Isolation Choir’s remastered, extraordinarily beautiful rendition of all of Handel’s Messiah, sung by approximately 1400 voices accompanied by a baroque orchestra—all recorded and remastered in isolation.
Our founder and director were justifiable excited by this new version. Every word and every note sung, every instrument of the accompaniment was clear. Excited to have been able to record all but 4 choruses I listened with pride. We were that good. My mood began to lighten. I figured I would rediscover some joy by the time we reached the Hallelujah Chorus.
I didn’t need to wait that long. Messiah is divided into three parts: the nativity, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. Part II begins with the hauntingly beautiful Behold the Lamb of God and ends with the Hallelujah Chorus. Midway through Part II the tone changes from despair to hope. Hope leading to shouts of hallelujah or alleluia. One of those lesser known transition choruses is: Let all the angels of God worship him.
While listening to this chorus, and looking out at the trees surrounding our back porch I unexpectedly found myself in a thin space. A place where I am very much aware of the Divine and know that God knows me. And then these words came to me, filling my heart with gladness:
May the peace of God, which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
AMEN!
Barbara Kautz
June 7, 2021
If you would like to listen to the Messiah recording Barbara describes here, it can be found by following this link (the concert begins at 40 seconds).