Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:4) RSVCE

Welcome to the latest newsletter from The Distant Spire.

I hope you enjoy Abide In Me, a track from my album Transcendent Horizons. Recorded in my home studio, it features gentle guitar, mellow synthesisers and a heavenly choir - perfect for contemplating the God’s faithfulness and helping us to fix our gaze upon Him.

Last year I published a newsletter post that delved into the scripture spoken by Jesus and what it means for us here. It also included an early version of the musical piece in this newsletter. Here is a short excerpt:

Jesus said he is the true vine, not just any vine, and the promise of fruitfulness is assured when the branch (we) remain on it. Just like the branches of a vine need to be joined to bear fruit, so we need to be joined (i.e., remain in Him), to be fruitful. And we will not just bear fruit, but much fruit. For our part, there is a wilful dependence required – a trust that is difficult at times to maintain, but necessary.

Life, according to Jesus, involves participation. Being connected to the Life Giver not only ensures life, but life more abundantly, and as we cooperate and participate we will bear good fruit, both in the temporal and eternal. As you listen to the music reflect on the beauty of this image of the vine and the vine dresser.

Where Else Can I Listen?

My music is available through the links below. I invite you to listen and subscribe to The Distant Spire for regular updates of music for meditation.

I recommend headphones or full range speakers both for listening quality and to provide some isolation from the noise and business so you can more easily enter into a quiet time with the Lord.

Some Additional Notes

I attended a Carmelite day retreat on 4 March. The retreat centre is situated in suburban Perth and is like an oasis of tranquility, situated on a hill with a beautiful garden, statues of saints and meandering paths – perfect for quiet prayer and reflection.

The day centred around learning about the spirituality of St John of the Cross, a Carmelite Friar who has been influential and central to the teachings of the Carmelite Order. He is best known for his spiritual poem Dark Night of the Soul

The poem has profound meaning and helps us understand the journey of spiritual growth with eventual union with God:

Dark Night of the SoulOn a dark night,Kindled in love with yearnings—oh, happy chance!—I went forth without being observed,My house being now at rest.In darkness and secure,By the secret ladder, disguised—oh, happy chance!—In darkness and in concealment,My house being now at rest.In the happy night,In secret, when none saw me,Nor I beheld aught,Without light or guide,save that which burned in my heart.This light guided meMore surely than the light of noondayTo the place where he (well I knew who!)was awaiting me—A place where none appeared.Oh, night that guided me,Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,Oh, night that joinedBeloved with lover,Lover transformed in the Beloved!Upon my flowery breast,Kept wholly for himself alone,There he stayed sleeping,and I caressed him,And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.The breeze blew from the turretAs I parted his locks;With his gentle handhe wounded my neckAnd caused all my senses to be suspended.I remained, lost in oblivion;My face I reclined on the Beloved.All ceased and I abandoned myself,Leaving my caresforgotten among the lilies.

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God bless you and keep you,

D.A SigleyThe Distant Spire

Footnotes and Resources

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedistantspire.substack.com