Pure Light Beyond Light

I. Hear Us, O Never-Failing Light

In the 8th century the Iberian Peninsula came under Islamic rule, causing many Christians and Jews to migrate north. Among those who remained were the Mozarabic Christians, who flourished around Toledo and Córdoba. Over the next three centuries, this coexistence would lead to a dynamic blending of cultures. Many Mozarabs and Muslims intermarried, observed each others’ holidays, translated and studied each others’ sacred books, and in some cases even shared houses of worship.

Over time, the Mozarabs developed their own distinct prayers, chants and liturgy. One such ritual was the rich, evocative blessing of the Paschal candle on Easter Eve.

The Iberian Peninsula’s comfortable distance from Rome kept the Vatican’s powerful arm at bay until the 11th century, when Pope Gregory VII set out to destroy what he called “The Toledo Heresy.” Papal forces drove the Muslims out of the region and abolished all Mozarabic practices, replacing them with those of Rome. Today the Mozarabic rite is still celebrated by a handful of devotees, including a Mozarabic brotherhood in Toledo and a Poor Claire community in Madrid.

II. Luminous Awakening

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) was a German nun, theologian, writer, composer, mystic and magistra, or spiritual teacher, who founded and led convents in Rupertsburg and Eibingen. Her plainsong settings of chants, with both original and liturgical texts, were composed for the use of her fellow nuns. Recent decades have brought a resurgent interest in her music, along with thousands of publications, performances and recordings.

III. Holy One, Source of Radiance and Reason

Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs’ small prayer “Holy One, Source of Radiance and Reason” invokes a divine presence both mysterious and rational. It also celebrates a faith that moves and works “within, among and beyond,” stretching outward from an individual’s personal spirituality in order to bless the whole world.

Rob’s Unitarian Universalist ministry was shaped by his upbringing on the south side of Chicago, his training at Starr King School for the Ministry, and his commitment to the work of churches in diverse and dynamic urban communities. His church ministries in Boston, MA and Whittier, CA were followed by three decades of co-ministry with his wife Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs in Oakland, CA and St. Paul, MN.

-Elizabeth Alexander