One can hardly say anything more meaningful than is already said in this ethereal Aria of JS Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and the angelic earnestness of the interpretation by the male Alto Tim Mead and the Netherlands Bach Society. May you find comfort and healing in it and may it move you to shared compassion with those who suffer in these troubled times.

Apr 3

Apr 3 Leaning into Mercy, or: Resisting Resistance

Almut Furchert

passion week 2023

The arias in Bach’s Passions are wells of deep emotion. Time stands still, while we follow a movement of heart to the depth of our soul. Bach’s aria “Have mercy, my God”, invites us almost to dance through our bitter weeping, to resist our resistance, and to open the heart to graceful mourning and the gentle desire for mercy.

Apr 9
Apr 9 "Pity me, my God...“ Finding Comfort and Compassion in Bach's Passion

Almut Furchert

Passion Week

One can hardly say anything more meaningful than is already said in this ethereal Aria of JS Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and the angelic earnestness of the interpretation by the male Alto Tim Mead and the Netherlands Bach Society. May you find comfort and healing in it and may it move you to shared compassion with those who suffer in these troubled times.

Apr 7

Apr 7 "Have mercy, Lord, on me...". Finding Healing amidst our sorrows

Almut Furchert

Passion Week

The arias in Bach’s Passions are wells of deep emotion. Time stands still, while we follow a movement of heart to the depth of our soul. Bach’s aria “Have mercy, my God”, invites us almost to dance through our bitter weeping, to get out of our frightened state, and back into motion. It seduces the listener into graceful mourning and the gentle desire for mercy.

Oct 19
Oct 19 Rushing into the Silence: The meaning(s) of Sabbatical

Chuck Huff

A “sabbatical” is supposed to be a time apart, a sacred time, a time of silence and waiting. Translated from the Hebrew it might be ceasing or releasing. It is, of course, based on God’s ceasing or resting on the 7th day after creation. Its religious purpose varies according to different traditions, but rest is clearly one of them, as is release from burden (even beasts were not supposed to labor), and making holy those things that grow naturally (fruit that grows in the seventh year without cultivation is seen as holy in a special way). All of these involve not just napping, but a considered attitude towards oneself, others, and the earth.