Au Fond Du Temple Saint
(Bizet’s Friendship Duet from his opera “The Pearl Fishers”)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGDAEc2-IQo
This performance of the famous friendship duet, “From deep within the holy shrine” (au fond du temple saint) is sung by Robert McPherson and Jacques Imbrailo (English National Opera Company).
Opera storyline: The life-long friendship of Nadir and Zurga has survived their precarious existence on the treacherous seashore. But with the arrival of Leïla, a grave threat to their bond is unveiled. A moving tale of friendship tested by love, The Pearl Fishers is Bizet’s early masterpiece — full of colorful orchestration, evocative choruses and beautiful melodies, including this much-loved friendship duet.
The scripture connection: Wisdom (the kind that Solomon prays for) is often described in the Old Testament with female images. Scripture names Wisdom as God’s playmate in the creation of the world. This duet shows that wisdom is both venerable and elusive – that like a goddess, Wisdom can bring others to deep reverence and enemies together in harmony. This lovely duet reminds us of the power that such Wisdom can have in our world today. This duet inspires holy prayer and the acknowledgement that Wisdom that can bring about “an understanding heart”.
First Reading Meditation
(Sister Kateri Benedicta, SOLT)
The Kingdom of Heaven
Gospel Video Reflection from Catholic Television
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cw7-45ZKww
Treasure In a Field
Meditation
(Romans 8: 26-30 from “The Word Among Us”)
All things work for good for those who love God.
Have you ever been tempted to question Paul’s assertion that God is always working for your good? If we’re honest, most of us would probably say yes. There are plenty of things in life that don’t make sense and don’t seem to be working for our benefit. That’s especially true when we are suffering or watching a loved one struggle.
We don’t know why God allows people to suffer. But we do know this: when Jesus became a human being like us, he experienced temptation, rejection, and loneliness, just as we do. He knew the heaviness of grief and a troubled heart. He suffered physical discomforts like hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and of course, he suffered both physical and mental agony in his passion and death.
It’s immensely comforting to know that Jesus understands exactly what we are going through because he has been through it before. It shows us that God loved us enough to share our burdens and pains. He didn’t just rescue us from his safe spot in heaven; he came down to live among us to show that we are not alone.
But as wonderful as this truth is, it’s not the end of the story. Just as Jesus has tasted our human suffering, he has also gone before us in his resurrection. He has opened the gates of heaven for us so that we can be in a place where there will be no more pain or sorrow. When we finally see God face-to-face, we will no longer question his love for us or his purposes for our lives. All will be revealed, and it will be wonderful!
That’s why Paul could write this now-famous line in his letter to the Romans. He suffered pain, sorrow, and rejection as he preached the gospel. But he also saw the end goal: life in heaven with God forever.
So even if you never see any good coming from the difficulties and sorrows in your life, believe that God really has the ultimate good in store for you. Believe that even your most painful memories in this life will fade in the bright light of heavenly glory when you are enveloped in the awesome love of God.
“I Found the Treasure”
(Dan Schutte)
“Where Your Treasure Is”
(Marty Haugen)
“Earthen Vessels”
(John Foley)
“The Love of The Lord”
(Michael Joncas)
“O The Beautiful Treasures”
“Parable of the Hidden Treasure” (Rembrandt)