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The Hours, days and years that we live may sometimes offer brief moments that are out of the ordinary - mysterious moments that seem to have greater significance than most we experience.
Physicist Albert Einstein said:
"The most beautiful
experience we can have is
the mysterious. It is the
fundamental emotion
which stands at the cradle
of true art and true
science."
These moments usually catch us by surprise and often at times when we take a moment out of our hectic lives to be calm and quiet. We may sense a heightened perception of our surroundings and our existence.
It may be an exhilaration "mountaintop" kind of experience, the sense of awe we feel beside the ocean or looking up at the starry expanse of a clear night sky.
It may be a moment when we first recognize a special calling we may have and a sense of the great change in life that is sure to follow.
It may be a time when we realize the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a loved one.
It may occur in a hospital waiting room when the imminent miracle of a new child or grandchild arriving
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finds us sensing something outside of ourselves, something bigger than we are.
People of faith often perceive these mysterious moments as times we have been touched by God - times when problems or anxieties seem to recede and we view the world with an expanded awareness.
The deeply religious, though mentally anguished 18th century poet, Christopher Smart wrote profoundly of the mystery and wonder of such a moment:
"At that time malignity
ceases and the devils
themselves are at peace.
For this time is perceptible
to man by a remarkable
stillness and serenity of
soul."
In his sermon on the mount Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."
I have often wondered who he was talking about. After all, which of us has a pure heart except through God's forgiveness and grace? Still, we all have thoughtful, worshipful or prayerful times when we may approach a purity of heart and spirit.
Could it be that when our attention is diverted from worldly influences and is focused on spiritual things, a mysterious moment finds its way into our
Cornerstone
at
Carnegie
Sunday, October 11, 2009
3:00 pm
Zankel Hall at Carnegie
Sponsored by
The Riverside Church
in the
City of New York
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consciousness and we are suddenly more aware of God's presence within us?
Through word and music The Conerstone Chorale & Brass brings the uplifting gospel message of God's love and compassion to audiences across the country.
I believe that one of the important gifts that the message and music convey is the possibility of a deep spiritual connection - a mysterious moment that becomes a memory of the spirit calling us to reflect God's love in the world through service.
My good friend, Martha Chandley, whom I first met in 1988 at Habitat for Humanity head-quarters in Americus, GA and who now resides in Sacramento, CA, writes:
"I cannot begin to
communicate the power,
majesty and wonder of
Cornerstone events. We, as a
nation, are in desperate need
of such transcending
encounters that can renew
hope and resolve for making
life more gracious, more
caring, more blessed and
blessing."
As we prepare for our October 2009 Tour and begin Cornerstone's 21st year, I invite you to be an active partner in helping to bring our unique programming to faith communities in the eastern and central U.S.
Due to the troubled economy, our tour income will be reduced at the very same time that our uplifting and encouraging program is perhaps needed the most. We need your help.
Please consider a tax deductible gift that will help us spread God's message of love and hope.
Bruce Vantine
June 2009
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