Voices Found: Seeking the way of Wisdom

                                                               

Come and seek the ways of Wisdom

Voices Found 60

Come and seek the ways of Wisdom,

she who danced when Earth was new.

Follow closely what she teaches, for her words are right and true.

Wisdom clears the path to justice, showing us what love must do

Listen to the voice of Wisdom, crying in the marketplace.

Hear the Word made flesh among us, full of glory, truth and grace When the word takes root and ripens, peace and righteousness embrace.

Sister Wisdom, come assist us;

nurture all who seek rebirth.

Spirit guide and close companion, bring to light our sacred worth.

Free us to become your people, holy friends of God on earth.

Words: Ruth C. Duck

Music: Julian David Hurd

About the music

Julion is a memorable hymn tune from the Hymnal 1982 that is used to set an Annunciation text. Composer David Hurd wrote the descant  highlighting Mary's words  “Magnificat, anima mea,” (“My soul magnifies”). In Voices Found,  the Julion  tune is used to set poet  Ruth Duck's Wisdom text.  I paired Hurd's soaring descant with the opening words of  Hildegard of Bingen's O virtus Sapientia, (O force of Wisdom),  Antiphon 59, which highlights the Abbess's vision.

                                    Reflection

                                                                 

                      The Wisdom Ring, Morikami Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida

O virtus Sapientia

Antiphon 59 by Hildegard of Bingen

O virtus Sapientia

quae circuiens circuisti

comprehendo omnia

in una via, quae habet vitam

tres alas habens,

quarum una in altum volat,

et altera de terra sudat,

et tertia indique volar.

Laus tibi sit, sicut te decet, O Sapientia.

O force of Wisdom

who, in your orbit, 

encircles the path of Life

embracing all in your circuit.

Three wings you have:

the first rules the heights of the heavens,

the second has dominion over the Earth,

and the third reigns over  the whole universe for all eternity.

Praise be to you Holy Wisdom, you are worthy of praise!

My English translation  is  based on the German translation offered by the Sisters of  the Hildegard Abbey in Ruedesheim am Rhine, in Germany,  published in Hildegard von Bingen, Lieder,  Otto Mueller Verlag Salzburg, 1969. Here is the German:

O Kraft der Weisheit, umkreisend die Bahn,

die eine des Lebens,

alles umgegangen!

Drei Flügel hast du:

In die Hoehe empor schwingt der eine,

auf der Erde müht sich der zweite,

und allüberall schwingt der dritte.

Lob sei dir, Weisheit, würdig des Lobes

Meditation

Eternal God, lead me in  the way of Wisdom; guide me to the path of justice; and show me now what Love must do.

Praise be to you, Sister Wisdom!

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