Catching the Holy Whisper

God whispered my name

As the sound of words

Sublimely wrapped

In golden tones of Graceful song

Filled cathedral space

Yet nestled soft as down

In my heart’s sacristy.

Is God‑love this warm?

Is Christ‑joy this knowing?

Is Spirit‑hope this near?

Does that which is far beyond

Find its way to these light‑dappled chambers

Of personal cloistered space

When angelic sounds

Soar high and low?

Blessed music!

Charioteer that swoops low

Endewing faith’s mysteries

Deep into the heart’s corners.

Grace is stirred up, imprinted deep
And the soul’s window

Set ajar to catch the

Echo of Spirited‑song

And things deeper than

Engraver’s page of dots and lines.

Lord, continue to fire the singing messengers

Who possess wisdom and skill,

Rejoicing as image‑bearers of the

Full Breathed One

As they breathe life into

Words and melodies,

Golden‑aged like finest wine

Or unseasoned yet flavorful

Like daily bread

Baked fresh from harvest's finest grain.

Heavenly Singing Flame!

Chanting troubadors of clay!

Listening gallery of saints and angels!

Music alive and faith‑infused!

Thanks be to God!

                    © 2007,  Nancy Gerst

"Be still and know that I am God" comes from Psalm 46, one of the Psalms that was written for the temple musicians in the time of the Old Testament, "a song for the songs of Korah." The sons of Korah were the rather large guild of musicians in the Jewish temple, a dynasty of musicians born into family lines, begun in the times of King David. It is both fascinating and humbling to read about these musicians who served during times of plenty, peace, incredibly rich worship services, and on through intrigues, betrayals, war, exile, and more.

Who are the musicians that have followed in the line of the sons of Korah after the time of Christ and into the beginnings of the Christian church? A 3rd century martyr, St. Cecilia, is interesting to read about because of the musical legacy that followed her martyrdom. While her martyrdom is likely a true story, the legends surrounding her and her musical interests are perhaps not totally verifiable in ancient records. That doesn't diminish the fact that whatever her passion for music in the worship of God, it was at least significant enough that legends were spun about it after her death. 

Following are some of the plethora of classical artworks featuring St. Cecilia, who has become the patron saint of church musicians, along with several paintings of angel musicians. Note that in some, both the human and angelic are worshiping as one. 

For discussion:  If artists depicted church musicians of today in works of arts, what might these look like? Why was music making in worship a common subject of artwork in former days, but not so much (hardly at all?) in our own day? I like to visualize in my heart sometimes during worship the invisible choirs of angel musicians who are adding their voices and instruments to our own God-ward praise. Someday our eyes will be opened around the throne of God where we will see the heavenly choir of saints and angels. What a glorious day that will be!