Chapter 14 of the Gospel according to John appears today, during the Easter season, but Jesus’ discourse takes place during the Last Supper. Once again, Jesus warns his disciples that he will die, but not to be afraid because the Father will send them the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to teach them everything they need to know. And he says tenderly, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Those words of Jesus echo in the prayer called “St. Teresa’s Bookmark,” written by the mystical Spanish Carmelite and Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila:
Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing make you afraid.
All things are passing.
God alone never changes.
Patience gains all things.
If you have God, you will want for nothing.
Beautifully set in Spanish by Jacques Berthier for the Taizé community, “Nada Te Turbe” is
an ostinato of hope in the midst of hopelessness, of peace in the midst of chaos, of faith in the midst of
doubt. Here is a gorgeous version on YouTube.
Sing it in Spanish, if at all possible. The English translation just does not go straight to the heart as the
Spanish does. Verses are sung “over” the assembly’s ostinato in Taizé style but the refrain
alone would suffice beautifully if you don’t have the solo resources for the verses.
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from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C).
This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org