According to mythology, when St. Patrick was a missionary in Ireland in the 5th century, King Logaire of Tara decreed that no one was allowed to light any fires until a pagan festival was begun by the lighting of a fire on Slane Hill. In a move of defiance against this pagan ritual, St. Patrick did light a fire, and, rather than execute him, the king was so impressed by his devotion that he let Patrick continue his missionary work. Three centuries later, a monk named Dallan Forgaill wrote the Irish poem, “Rop tú mo Baile” (“Be Thou my Vision”), to remember and honor the faith of St. Patrick. Forgaill was martyred by pirates, but his poetry lived on as a part of the Irish monastic tradition for centuries until, in the early 20th century, Mary Elizabeth Byrne translated the poem into English, and in 1912, Eleanor Hull versified the text into what is now a well-loved hymn and prayer that at every moment of our lives, God would be our vision above all else.

This past Sunday I played a setting of this well-know hymn for the offertory at the 8:15 service.  Unlike the typical setting, this arrangement actually sets the tune in a minor key which creates a darker and pensive atmosphere.  Much like our lives, when do we need God to be our vision the most, but in the darker times of our lives?

It transitions later to a more bold, major key section, which mirrors our brighter days.  Human nature tends to cause one to put God in a more “off-center” position when things are going well.  

The brighter section of the setting gives way to a surprise resolution following the climax of the tune, (much like life sometimes!) and finishes quietly. 

It is important to remember, regardless of whether we are in a dark or light chapter in our life journey, that God is always ready and willing to be our vision.  If that’s not enough, don’t forget his unconditional love for us persists through any change in our circumstances!

For those who missed it (sorry 11:00ers) a link to a recording of the setting is available on YouTube.  Please take a moment to listen to it and enjoy a very unique presentation of Be Thou My Vision. 

Silas

(Historical background on the hymn provided by Hymnary.org)