Sunday, December 30

It has been quite a week.

We've had our Christmas... which was absolutely wonderful, but exhausting in an extremely pleasant kind of way... There has been plenty of boisterous joy around this house; lots of hustle-and-bustle and excitement.

And, happily, there have been peaceful moments, too. Moments where I have been able to take the opportunity to snuggle with my children and read them stories, or play with their toys, or do a "cwaft" with them. Sometimes, just before bed, we have enjoyed some quiet time, sitting on the sofa together, listening to music, admiring the Christmas tree, and enjoying all of the twinkly lights.

Amidst all of this happiness, it is hard for me to fathom some of the sadness and unpleasantness that fills this vast world of ours... A world leader has been brutally gunned down. A young child tragically lost, quite near where we live. My husband's uncle died, suddenly, of a heart attack on Boxing Day. And, to top it all off, two priests engaged in fisticuffs on the site that is said to be where Jesus once lay in a manger, for crying out loud...

After hearing about all of these things, I felt some of the "lightness" go out of my heart... And so, I went searching for music to soothe the soul.

The hymn "Ubi Caritas" is traditionally sung closer to Easter time; it is taken from the antiphons sung during the ceremony of the Washing of the Feet at the Mass of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday. Christ washing the feet of his disciples is a gesture that I find tremendously moving, as it is an example of such humility. It is symbolic of the fact that no person is "above" anyone else here on earth: we are all equals, and should treat one another as we, ourselves, would want to be treated: with respect, and with kindness.

I heard this piece of music yesterday, and found it so tremendously uplifting, I felt I had to share it with all of you.

Although this is clearly music deeply entrenched in the Christian faith, the basic sentiments expressed apply to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs: Where charity and love are, God is there... Love each other.

Sometimes, it is good to be reminded that we are capable; indeed, responsible; for living in a "Godly" way. And if we all do our very best to remember to treat one another with love, respect, and kindness, with NO EXCEPTIONS... this world of ours will become a better and happier place.

Ubi Caritas

arranged by John Rutter, with The Cambridge Singers

UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.

Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

WHERE charity and love are, God is there.
Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:

Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.

Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.

Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.

WHERE charity and love are, God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God be in our midst.

UBI caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,

Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:

Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,

Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.

WHERE charity and love are, God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.