Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
I live in a cozy little town named Troy, Ohio. We have lived here for 50 years, and we have counted it as a blessing. In fact, I’m sure I will devote a future blog to my hometown. But not today. You see, the other evening, we attended a free concert sponsored by my hometown. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the community choir put on a wonderful show. It was the annual Mayor’s Concert.
Every year, the Dayton Philharmonic comes to town, puts on a great show that is concluded with the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever. I mean, it just does not get any more Americana than that my friends, and we love it. It is time to see fellow community members, and revel in the beauty of the talented musicians, and especially the grandeur of the 1812 Overture.
I marveled again at the structure of the 1812 Overture. It begins with a simple Russian melody, representing the Russian people praying for divine intervention from the invading French army of Napoleon. Then we hear strains of the Marseillaise, signifying the oncoming attack of the French. Then there is a period where both hymns are competing, and later, the canon shots indicating the battle of Borodino. Finally, there is the victory of the Russian forces staving off the French invasion with the canon, chimes, and blaring brass of the horns. The brilliance of Tchaikovsky is on full display in this masterpiece of melody and emotion.
Sadly today, Tchaikovsky’s country is the aggressor in Ukraine, bringing horrible destruction and death. Indeed, the world is rocked by savagery and war waged upon civilians in unprecedented ways. War is not to be celebrated, but the moving work of Tchaikovsky remains as a monument to this day.
Let’s pray that these current wars abate or end soon. There can be no celebrations in those conflicts.
Prayer: Lord, sustain those people who are suffering from the effects of war, Amen.
Reflections of a Counselor 