One of the most enduring and essential practices in the Christian contemplative tradition is Lectio Divina. Lectio divina is a Latin phrase meaning “divine/sacred reading” although it is found outside of the west under various names. The practice involves reading or singing a short passage of scripture (or other spiritual text) several times over, ruminating on its deeper meaning. It is intended as a stepping stone, leading the soul to contemplation, a mystical encounter with God beyond words.
Over the millennia around the world, there have been countless mystics, monks, and other spiritually minded people who gave the practice their own spin. One of the richest and most beautiful expressions I have found is that of the early Syriac church. In particular, the hymns of Saint Ephrem. His stunning collection of contemplative poetry is traditionally sung antiphonally by choirs of women. If only our worship services could be so.
Ephrem speaks with the voice of a holy man, combining his own mystical experiences with the teachings of his tradition and community. All of this is conveyed through symbolic poetry – so much more inviting than dry prose! The following is an excerpt from his Hymns on Paradise. Reading Ephrem’s hymns in translation means the music is lost even though the words are preserved. In this portion of the hymn, he describes a sacred encounter with the Book of Genesis. For Ephrem, the scriptures are symbols which carry us into spiritual realities.
“I read the opening of this book and was filled with joy, for its verses and lines spread out their arms to welcome me; the first rushed out and kissed me, and led me on to its companion; and when I reached that verse wherein is written the story of Paradise, it lifted me up and transported me from the bosom of its book to the very bosom of Paradise. The eye and the mind traveled over the lines as over a bridge, and entered together the story of Paradise. The eye as it read transported the mind; in return the mind, too, gave the eye rest from its reading, for when the book had been read the eye had rest, but the mind was engaged. Both the bridge and the gate of Paradise did I find in this book. I crossed over and entered; my eye indeed remained outside but my mind entered within. I began to wander amid things not described. This is a luminous height, clear, lofty and fair: Scripture named it Eden, the summit of all blessings.” (Trans by Sebastian Brock)
As I sought to find the gate of Paradise in imitation of Ephrem, I found myself inspired to write poems in meter and verse and chants; as well as a series of contemplative chants using familiar tunes. I know from my time in indigenous ceremony the importance of song in preserving and teaching the wisdom of those who came before us.
Blessed Fall, the booklet of poetry I published over Easter, was born out of this process. It is very short, intended to be used in lectio divina. Each poem is presented on the page alongside a passage of scripture. May it be a bridge to Paradise for your mind, to enter Eden and participate in its ancient unfolding..
Blessed Fall is available for purchase online.
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