Last Saturday we sang in the centuries-old St. Bavo Church in Haarlem. What a place to become still — to be brought to stillness. That is exactly what the opening work Insanae et Vanae Curae did: it startled us out of everyday life, confronting us with our worries and ambitions — and with the one thing that truly matters: “What does it profit you, O mortal, to strive after worldly things, if you neglect the heavens?”
From that striking call we embarked on a musical journey along the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John: “I am the Bread of Life,” “Come to Me,” “Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness.” His voice was heard in Scripture readings, and answered in music: the longing Psalm 42, the personal Give Me Jesus, the trusting The Lord is My Shepherd.
That invitation “Come to Me” was not only sung, but experienced. For whoever comes to Him may leave everything behind: weariness, guilt, shame, helplessness. In Rock of Ages that moment of surrender perhaps rang out the purest:
“When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.”
And it is precisely in that surrender that trust grows: There are no boundaries to Jesus’ power. No burden too heavy, no sin too great, no sorrow too deep. His power and His love are greater than our hearts.
Thus it became an evening of reflection and encouragement.
Of invitation and response.
Of seeking and finding.
Relive these moments with this photo impression by Jan-Willem van Braak.
