“How insignificant earth seems to me when I consider Heaven”. St. Ignatius of Loyola

Welcome to the latest newsletter from The Distant Spire.

I hope you enjoy Transcendent Horizons, the title track from my first Distant Spire album. Recorded in my home studio, it has a combination of soothing guitars and ethereal synthesisers with a relaxing mood - perfect for contemplating the sublime, transcendent nature of God.

Transcendence is that mysterious attribute of God that makes part of him unknowable:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.(Isaiah 55:8-9 RSVCE)

The Catholic Catechism teaches: “We must purify our language … if we are not to confuse our image of God - the inexpressible, the incomprehensible, the invisible, the ungraspable, the transcendent — with human representations. Human words always fall short of the mystery of God.” [CCC 42]

Transcendence helps us to reflect on the mysteries of God and our relationship with Him with an open mind, heart, will, and intellect. Transcendence helps us look forward to the time of perfect happiness while being rightly dependent on God now.

As you listen to the track, reflect on this inexpressible, incomprehensible, transcendent image of God, and consider that we have so much to look forward to as we walk faithfully with Him.

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’m currently reading The Interior Castle by St Teresa of Avila. I received a Gatto Books voucher for Christmas and thought it would be a timely read as I will be going on a pilgrimage which will include visiting the city of Avila later this year. I have already been challenged by her deep humility;

“Thus I am only writing to my sisters, the idea that any one else could benefit from what I say would be absurd. Our Lord will be doing me a great favour if He enables me to help but one of the nuns to praise Him a little better…”.

From this place of devotion and sense of service, St Teresa wrote one of the great Christian classics and an inspiration for all who desire deeper spirituality and holiness.

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🎵 The Distant Spire is a reader supported project that does not currently receive any financial support and content is free. Music from The Distant Spire is also available through the links below.

I highly value your comments and encouragement so please leave a comment if what you enjoy what you hear, and if it resonates with you or helps you in any way.

You can read more about The Distant Spire and the concept behind it on my About Page.

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