Most of us are aware of the concept of grace. But many of us can’t really describe it. So let me try and demonstrate how grace works. Think of grace as a musical note, a pitch. [I sing a note for everyone to repeat with an “ah.”]
Now that’s a vibration of the universe. It’s not something that we start, but it is more that we join in this resonance of sound. It’s as if it has always been there and we simply become aware of it from time to time. That’s why we can be “so taken” or “so overwhelmed” with a piece of music. It stirs something in our core.
But it doesn’t stop there. At its best, there is a harmony of sound that grows from that first note.
[I demonstrate for the bass singers to continue singing “ah” on that low note, and I invite the tenors to sing a 5th above it with another “ah.” Then we add altos on a “ah” a 3rd above that and finally the sopranos with a “ah” a 3rd above that. Then all sing together.]
You see how it all started with a single note, then we build upon it. That’s an example of how grace works, or as Jesus talked about in the gospel, “the Kingdom of God.” Jesus says that it starts like a small seed (a mustard seed) but then has the potential to grow into a huge plant. But what makes it grow?
I believe that it is when we are in harmony with something bigger than ourselves. Philosopher and psychologist William James says, “There is an unseen order, and our supreme good is to be found in living in harmony with this order.” Many times we are not in harmony with that order or grace as I call it. [Have the parts sing again, but this time, instrumentalists play “off,”creating a disharmony.”]
All kinds of things can put us in that disharmony . . . worry, greed, revenge, ego, self-hatred. But there are things that can instantly set us straight and bring us back into harmony. The Sacraments do it. So does the support of a community. Scripture also keeps us in harmony (except not by focusing on one verse and using it to “clobber” someone with it . . . we look at the entire messages of scripture).
But another big one is . . . . nature. Especially during these summer days, as most of us love to be outdoors. It has been said that nature, especially wilderness, can “SOFTEN US” . . . that is, to make us less rigid or performance-focused. Instead, nature invites us to lighten up, to play, to have fun. Have you noticed how much more fun you have already been having with these warmer days? We play more. Whether that be organized play (life softball or golf) or spontaneous play like walking in the woods, or flying a kite, or goofing around in the garden.
Nature also allows us to experience “awe.” Researchers have proven that there is a biological change in our brains when we encounter something beautiful. This comes from research of
Neha John Henderson of Montana State University and from Andrew Newberg who is a neuroscientist. When we are in the presence of something wonderful (like a gorgeous sunset, loons on a lake, or as some of you experienced the eclipse of last August.) Scientists have proven that when we experience moments of awe, our immune systems are improved, our stress levels go down and it helps us to be, as the Kingdom of God is meant to be, . . . more at peace, less combative AND in harmony with the “unseen order” (or with God’s grace, as I call it).
So if you are feeling stress at this part of your life, or you are simply NOT in harmony with yourself or with how God wants you to be . . . find a seed of goodness that can start to grow. Perhaps it is going outside more, getting up earlier to enjoy the sunrise, taking a walk during your lunch break, seeking out wilderness. Then you can be, as Jesus talked about in last Sunday’s gospel, in harmony with the Holy Spirit . . . and perhaps that Kingdom of God will start to grow in you.
Let’s try singing those harmony notes again. But this time, I want you to sing a phrase. [I teach them the refrain to VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS using the same notes. Then after a few repetitions, I sing a descent over the refrain.]
Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit)
Come, Holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth with your glorious light.
Come, Comforter of the poor, come, generous Spirit, come,
light of our hearts.
Come from the four winds, O Spirit, come breath of God;
disperse the shadows over us, renew and
strengthen your people.