People are so distracted these days. I often walk on campus and inattentive students literally walk right into me whilst looking down on their phones. No one seems to be paying attention nor interacting with each other. Our focus has been stolen by electronic devices, social media, and all manner of distraction. There’s actually a very compelling book about that, that I highly recommend called, Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.

One of the things I appreciate most about St. Andrew’s is how attentive people are during the music. People here really seem to be drawn into the holiness crafted by our inspired musicians. The word focus comes from the Latin meaning “fireplace.” You may have heard of a foyer, a word with similar roots meaning a gathering space whose central feature was a fire. So, in a sense, the word focus means to be on fire. When I was a kid, I would burn scraps of wood by focusing the sun with my magnifying glass. Focusing is powerful.

Did you ever consider how focusing your attention can enliven and inflame your spirit? When we focus, the inward dimension of the divine springs forth. Many churches I’ve been to have a lack of focus with lots of background noise. Playing the organ for these kinds of services feels a lot like playing lounge piano for a cocktail party. But fortunately for us, we still have services where focus is the primary objective.

Our communion motet I believe was born out of that kind sharp focus, I’m certain. It will compel you to stillness. It was written by Irish composer, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, who was very prolific. This work comes from a set called Three Latin Motets, Op. 38, published in 1905. The one you’ll hear this morning is the most famous, and is scored for 6 voice parts. There are so many wonderful and dramatic elements in the piece, particularly the build up at the end, which highlights the words “in lege Domini” or, the law of the Lord.

Stanford was clearly inspired. You cannot help but hear his enthusiasm for the words he has set to music. Enthusiasm, from the Greek “en theos” or in God is another good word. When a person is focused and enthusiastic you could say that they are “on fire with God.” I believe we are no more ourselves then when we’re focused and enthusiastic. I’m that way quite often, and I think that’s why I’m so happy all the time. This anthem is all about being one with God, focusing into that wonderful presence of stillness, found in undistracted concentration.

God flows in silence, and always has. Holy presence is pinpointed in concentration. I love when I can make music for those who pay attention. I love when I can make eye contact with others as well, but many eyes are averted, distracted, and eager to look at a handheld device. When you hear this motet, just luxuriate in the palpable holiness of the wonderment contained in experiencing a cappella music – no phones, no social media, no noise. I think you’ll agree, that kind of spiritual presence is hard to find in today’s world. What a special treat, that we gather each Sunday and can be coupled to the focused spirit of divine outpouring. It makes me enthused. I hope it does for you too.  Soli Deo Gloria!