At the conclusion of our group spiritual direction session today, I shared a song by Gungor. It's one of my favorites to ponder, pray, and move with on my yoga mat. "Late Have I Loved You" was released in February of 2010 so it has been around for a bit (although not nearly as long as the original). It's a beautiful interpretation of St. Augustine of Hippo's ancient poem/prayer that speaks of his religious conversion. Interestingly enough, I discovered this poem the month before the song was released. I remember this only because I posted about it on my blog over 7 years ago. You can read Gungor's interpretation of Augustine's prayer below. How does this poem/prayer/song speak to you on your spiritual journey? "Late Have I Loved You" Late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, so new Late have I loved you you were within me, but I was outside you it was there that I searched for you it was there that I searched for you Late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, so new. you were here with me but I was not with You it was there that you found me it was there that you found me You called and you shouted, you broke through my deafness. You flashed and you shone, dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me You breathed your fragrance on me Late have I loved you I drew in your breath I keep on breathing I've tasted I’ve seen And now I want more You breathed your fragrance on me You breathed your fragrance on me Late have I loved you A friend shared this with me and it has resonated with me all week. This is a modern interpretation of the original quote:
I came to know You late, O Beauty so ancient and new. I came to love You late. You were within me and I was outside where I rushed about wildly searching for You like some monster loose in Your beautiful world. You were with me but I was not with You. You called me, You shouted to me, You wrapped me in Your Splendor, You broke past my deafness, You bathed me in Your Light, You sent my blindness reeling. You gave out such a delightful fragrance and I drew it in and came breathing hard after You. I tasted, and it made me hunger and thirst; You touched me, and I burned to know Your Peace. -St. Augustine of Hippo |
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