From time to time, I browse through one of the several, local LDS bookstores. The music is eclectic, soothing, jazzy, contemporary rock, and at other times liturgical. It is always interesting to overhear from time to time, certain lyrics from some of the latest contemporary Christian bands played as background music in the stores. But let me share with you one of my all time favorite songs purchased from Deseret Bookstore.

If you don’t have the Easter CD, Consider the Lilies, from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I highly encourage you to purchase the dawnlike performance. On this CD, there is one song, Jesu, the Very Thought Is Sweet, I could easily listen da capo. It moves me to tears. I have possessed this CD since its production, and that particular song still stands among my top religious favorites. The Christ-centered words are timeless and carefully wrapped in one of the most beautifully melodic arrangements that I have ever heard. Furthermore, I am extremely thankful for the reverential rendition of this sacred song.

In Jesu, the Very Thought Is Sweet, Bernard of Clairvaux enthrones Jesus Christ beyond any earthly repute. Meditate afresh on the ancient poetry:

—-

“Jesu, the very thought is sweet; In that dear Name all heartjoys meet; But O than honey sweeter far The glimpses of His Presence are.

No word is sung more sweet than this; No name is heard more full of bliss; No thought brings sweeter comfort nigh, Than Jesus, Son of God most high.

Jesu, the hope of souls forlorn! How good to them for sin that mourn! To them that seek thee, O how kind! But what art thou to them that find?

Jesu, thou sweetness, pure and blest, Life’s Fountain, Light of souls distress’d; Surpassing all that heart requires, Exceeding all that soul desires.

No tongue of mortal can express, No letters write its blessedness; Alone who hath thee in his heart Knows, love of Jesus, what thou art.”

—-

The instruments of the orchestra drop out on the fourth stanza. And then emotions of the human heart come to a climax on the fifth. In a blaze of glory, these words point the way to the chief Person whom I would like to write about in upcoming entries.

Thinking of heart issues