When I walked up the stairway of Sacré Coeur at Montmartre, I could hear the angelic voices of the Benedictine Nuns singing. The sung Mass was followed by Vespers, and I was transported to another time and place. The congregation of worshippers and sightseers was taken up with the majestic beauty, despite the distractions of guards and the constant movement about the Basilica. It was an hour to savour being in the presence of God, being in the present with God. I remember so clearly the minutes fleeing and I wanted it to go on.
The prophet Jeremiah (31:31ff) tells us that even after Israel had broken its covenant with the Lord, the Lord insisted on writing the Law on their hearts. The relationship he wanted to establish was not about the externals, but about knowledge. Knowledge of the Lord himself. This new covenant was an opportunity for Israel to be transformed by the gift of this new relationship, for only when his Law is planted deep within them will he be their God and they, his people.
How is this knowledge revealed? Jeremiah reveals that the Lord will forgive Israel’s sins and will never call their sin to mind; that is, the Lord will be merciful. He will create in you a pure heart (Ps 50).
As the evening progressed and cooled, we were drawn to the music that played on the lower steps. The congregation became an audience, and the centre of our attention moved from worship to entertainment. A warm wind blew as the steps became crowded. Dusk spread deep red across the Parisian skyline.
In each of these moments, one following the other, I had a growing and strong awareness of my relationship with God, one lifted up and awe-inspiring by the liturgy, music, and architecture, knowing I am loved, forgiven, bonded to my God in covenant. In the other, a glorious experience of life as grace, the joy of his help, of his sustaining presence (Ps 50). I felt truly alive, bristling with excitement and energy.
This is but a small measure of what awaits us, for Jesus reminds us: And when I am lifted up from earth, I shall draw all men to myself (John 12:32).
Mr Peter Douglas
Director of Faith and Mission