the beatitudes

Arvo Part is a contemporary Estonian composer who has a way of weaving sacred text into eight-part harmony that leaves me without doubt that there is a higher being.  I swear, my heart literally heaves at the word Rejoice at 5:22.

Saturday night, I had dinner with Ahmad, Steffi, and their smart little girl.  We were sharing some of the struggles we’ve had over the last couple years, and Steffi asked me if I was religious.  I am not.  I do, however, find a great deal of magnificence in the faith of a number of good friends.

My best friend from middle school has a beautiful, deep spirituality.  Her father passed away quite suddenly on Friday morning.  On her blog, she posted a simple, perfect verse: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

I was struck by those words when I first sang Part’s The Beatitudes, just as I am almost overwhelmed (in a great way) by them now.  A number of the patients I had the opportunity to know briefly in the last two weeks are likely to die in the next couple months.  I think about how much I love the hospital, it’s so easy to not always consider how absolutely un-comforting (to say the least) it is to so many.  I don’t know of a way to end this post without a weak platitude so, banally but sincerely, I hope their last days and those following include peace and comfort for them and their loved ones.  And, of course, for my dear friend, my heart is with you.