Breath of Heaven

Thanks to a friend's Facebook post, I've just discovered this song by Amy Grant. Written from the perspective of a young, pregnant Mary, it speaks of fear and incredulity at God's choice and call, intermingled with strong faith, and trust in that same God's wisdom and enduring presence.

I've listened to it at various times over the last few days, as the Church celebrated Mary's Immaculate Conception. And I've also found myself praying with the lyrics, as I'm due to celebrate a feast of my own - the anniversary of my first vows, this coming Saturday the 14th. Listening to the third verse in particular I can recall the strange mix of certainty and incredulity with which I made those vows: incredulity that God's choice and call should have come to me, and not someone holier or more zealous; and certainty that I was in the right place, and this was what I had been created for. It's a strange mix which never goes away, even though the certainty has become so much stronger and deeper. Now, as then, I can only offer all I am, aware of how limited that is - and how unlimited God's fidelity and love are.

And it occurs to me that this song - and the third verse in particular - is a good song for anyone caught up in the mystery and immensity of God's call and his unaccountable choice. May the Breath of Heaven lighten their darkness and hold them together; and may they know, truly and at depth, that God is forever with them...

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy...