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Opening our hearts and mind on the hardest of days — Issue 9
‘When the Heart is Hard’
(Gitanjali 39)
(Gitanjali 39)
by: Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941)
“When the heart is hard and parched up, come upon me with a shower of mercy.
When grace is lost from life, come with a burst of song.
When tumultuous work raises its din on all sides shutting me out from beyond, come to me, my lord of silence, with thy peace and rest.
When my beggarly heart sits crouched, shut up in a corner, break open the door, my king, and come with the ceremony of a king.
When desire blinds the mind with delusion and dust, O thou holy one, thou wakeful, come with thy light and thy thunder.”
Madre Greer
School Chaplain
When grace is lost from life, come with a burst of song.
When tumultuous work raises its din on all sides shutting me out from beyond, come to me, my lord of silence, with thy peace and rest.
When my beggarly heart sits crouched, shut up in a corner, break open the door, my king, and come with the ceremony of a king.
When desire blinds the mind with delusion and dust, O thou holy one, thou wakeful, come with thy light and thy thunder.”
The poem above is a prayer, a plea for divine intervention in moments of confusion, spiritual dryness, and distance from God. Tagore’s image of a “shower of mercy on a hard heart” invites us to imagine grace softening what has grown rigid within us. He calls upon the Holy One to break through delusion, to awaken our hearts, and to bring light where we have shut ourselves away.
Imagine being lost on a dark path, surrounded by trees closing in upon you, when suddenly a band of singers step forward—not to capture you, but to fill the air with music and joy. That is what Tagore’s words do. They open the way for the divine joy to reach us, even in times of disarray. The poem is both plea and promise, a reminder that the Spirit comes like rain to refresh and restore.
On Thursday morning during Chapel, we observed All Souls’ Day, a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for those who have gone before us. As the theatre glowed with nearly a hundred small candles, each flame represented a life remembered and a love that endures. It was a powerful expression of vulnerability and faith. To see so many students step forward to name their grief, to light a candle, and to pray was a profound act of spiritual awareness and courage.
These moments remind us that grief and love are intertwined. The light of those we have lost continues to shine within us as compassion, memory, and strength.
We will continue the practice of candle lighting during weekday Morning Prayer and during scheduled reflection and silent prayer at the Hensley Memorial Chapel. Small candles will remain on the altar for anyone who wishes to light one in memory of a loved one. Prayer cards will also be available for students, faculty, and staff at every service.
Naming our grief, sharing our stories, and allowing the Spirit to meet us there builds resilience. It grounds us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Like Tagore’s prayer, we can each ask the Spirit to come like a king, breaking down the doors of the heart, making room for divine presence, peace, and renewal.
On Thursday morning, I witnessed many hearts opening and the Spirit entering with light and tenderness. May your own hearts and minds be awakened and renewed.
Peace and light,Madre Greer
School Chaplain
Are you looking to go deeper with the Spirit? Bible study starts next week on Tuesdays during lunch break in my office. Lunch is provided. If you are interested, please register by emailing me at dlgreer@kes.ca so that we can plan for food.
Bible Study
Lunchtime on Tuesdays
Dates: November 4 – Why and How to Pray. November 19, 25, and December 2
Lunch is provided; sign-up with Madre is necessary by November 01, 2025.
Location: Madre’s Office in Convocation Hall (The Library)
Juniors: 12:00–12:45 p.m.
Seniors: 12:45–1:30 p.m.
Lunchtime on Tuesdays
Dates: November 4 – Why and How to Pray. November 19, 25, and December 2
Lunch is provided; sign-up with Madre is necessary by November 01, 2025.
Location: Madre’s Office in Convocation Hall (The Library)
Juniors: 12:00–12:45 p.m.
Seniors: 12:45–1:30 p.m.
The Chapel will be open for quiet prayer and contemplation on the following dates and times.
Anointing for healing is available upon request.
Anointing for healing is available upon request.
Thursday, October 30, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 6, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 13, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 20, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 27, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 4, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 7, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 6, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 13, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 20, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 27, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 4, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 7, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Service of Holy Eucharist
November 02 @ 7PM
November 16 @ 7PM
November 23 @ 7PM
November 30 @ 7PM
December 07 @ 7PM
December 14 @ 7PM
King’s-Edgehill School is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
