Fully Human...

Certain words to me seem to have been hijacked and diluted and 'pure heart'seems to fit that category.

Calon Lân is a Welsh hymn, the words of which were written in the 19th century by Daniel James, sung before Welsh rugby union test matches an anthem. I found it interesting that this Welsh word used for pure heart equally means to be complete.

I don't ask for a luxurious life,
the world's gold or its fine pearls,
I ask for a happy heart,
an honest heart, a pure heart.

A pure heart full of goodness
Is fairer than the pretty lily,
None but a pure heart can sing,
Sing in the day, sing in the night.

If I wished for worldly wealth,
It would swiftly go to seed;
The riches of a virtuous, pure heart
Will bear eternal profit.

(Chorus)

Evening and morning, my wish
Rising to heaven on the wing of song
For God, for the sake of my Saviour,
To give me a pure heart.

(Chorus)

I love the connection that is begining to take shape in my thinking that can be summed up by St. Irenaeus. 'The glory of God is a human being fully alive'

Comments

David Alton said…
Lyrics translated into rhyme

I'd not ask a life that's easy,
Gold and pearls so little mean,
Rather seek a heart that's joyful,
Heart that's honest, heart that's clean
Chorus:
Heart that's clean and filled with virtue,
Fairer far than lilies white,
Only pure hearts praise God truly,
Praise him all the day and night.
Why should I seek earthly treasures,
On swift wings they fly away,
Pure clean hearts bring greater riches
That for life eternal stay.
Dawn and sunset still I'm searching,
Reaching on a wing of song,
Give me Lord, through Christ my Saviour
That clean heart for which I long.
Translation ©Malcolm Cowen 2008
9:14 AM
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