The article below, originally written in April 2020, gives an overview of an online Taizé service. Virtual worship continues in 2022. Consult the Cathedral calendar for times.
Psalm 130:5 is comforting to read, but, in these strange times of self-isolation during a public health emergency, it's reassuring to see and hear someone familiar saying it aloud. That's what struck me as I listened to Rachel Schmidt sharing: “I wait for the Lord; my whole being waits, and in His word, I put my hope.”
Her mother, Catherine, had just played The Lord is My Song on the piano in their home, with its oft-repeated line, All my hope comes from God. The song occurred just after Rachel's father, Kurt, had welcomed nearly 20 people from three provinces to a virtual Taizé service, thanks to a video conferencing platform called Zoom.
More people connected to the virtual service than normally visit the cathedral for a half-hour of simple, meditative prayer and music in the Taizé tradition. Through words, music and silence, participants can focus on a single, burning candle and an icon or close their eyes to listen for the voice of God.
Cath Coombes and Leith Box attended virtually from Gagetown, NB, and thanked Kurt for making it possible, calling it “lovely.” They enjoyed the peaceful, thoughtful silence which followed a reflection written by German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer referred to chapter 8 of Mark's gospel in which the disciples are urged by Jesus to take up their cross and follow Him. He wrote that each person has his or her own cross ready, appointed and measured by God. For some, the sacrificial suffering will mean martyrdom; others will not be tempted beyond their strength, but a cross will be laid upon everyone committed to Jesus.
Participants pondered this theme, then joined in the prayers of the people and the Lord's Prayer, before closing with a Taizé-style song in Spanish, Nada Te Turbe. The words are attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, which is in Spain, a country whose citizens are currently being ravaged by COVID-19.
The translated lyrics are uplifting in these stressful times: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away. God alone is sufficient.”
Retired bishop Bill Hockin and his wife Isabelle have attended in person previously, but found the virtual service – necessary because of social distancing rules laid down by the chief medical officer of health – very well done.
Isabel and Nathan Cutler, former cathedral members who now live in Newfoundland and Labrador, signed on and found the service “beautiful,” adding they hope to take part in future weeks during Lent through “this great tool.”
Kurt plans to offer virtual Taizé on future Thursdays during Lent. Instructions for how to sign on to the Zoom meeting will be posted on the cathedral calendar and Facebook page the day prior. A person with a web camera or a forward-facing camera, as well as a microphone, will get the most out of the technology. But a reliable Internet connection will get you there, too. Even if you cannot be seen or heard, you will see and hear everything that is happening.
-- by Ann Deveau
