Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:4) RSVCE
Welcome to the latest newsletter from The Distant Spire.
I hope you enjoy Abide In Me1, a track from my album Transcendent Horizons. Recorded in my home studio, it features gentle guitar, mellow synthesisers and a heavenly choir - perfect for contemplating the God’s faithfulness and helping us to fix our gaze upon Him.
Last year I published a newsletter post that delved into the scripture spoken by Jesus and what it means for us here. It also included an early version of the musical piece in this newsletter. Here is a short excerpt:
Jesus said he is the true vine, not just any vine, and the promise of fruitfulness is assured when the branch (we) remain on it. Just like the branches of a vine need to be joined to bear fruit, so we need to be joined (i.e., remain in Him), to be fruitful. And we will not just bear fruit, but much fruit. For our part, there is a wilful dependence required – a trust that is difficult at times to maintain, but necessary.
Life, according to Jesus, involves participation. Being connected to the Life Giver not only ensures life, but life more abundantly, and as we cooperate and participate we will bear good fruit, both in the temporal and eternal. As you listen to the music reflect on the beauty of this image of the vine and the vine dresser.
Where Else Can I Listen?
My music is available on various streaming platforms and I upload music regularly. I invite you to listen and add The Distant Spire to your favourite streaming platform playlist for devotional meditation music.
Starting with my first release Transcendent Horizons, I will be adding all of my devotional music for meditation to the playlist shown below. You can add it to your own account or follow me on Spotify here.
I recommend headphones or full range speakers both for listening quality and to provide some isolation from the noise and business so you can more easily enter into a quiet time with the Lord.
Some Additional Notes
I attended a Carmelite2 day retreat on 4 March. The retreat centre is situated in suburban Perth and is like an oasis of tranquility, situated on a hill with a beautiful garden, statues of saints and meandering paths – perfect for quiet prayer and reflection.
The day centred around learning about the spirituality of St John of the Cross3, a Carmelite Friar who has been influential and central to the teachings of the Carmelite Order. He is best known for his spiritual poem Dark Night of the Soul4
The poem has profound meaning and helps us understand the journey of spiritual growth with eventual union with God:
Dark Night of the Soul
On a dark night,
Kindled in love with yearnings
—oh, happy chance!—
I went forth without being observed,
My house being now at rest.
In darkness and secure,
By the secret ladder, disguised
—oh, happy chance!—
In darkness and in concealment,
My house being now at rest.
In the happy night,
In secret, when none saw me,
Nor I beheld aught,
Without light or guide,
save that which burned in my heart.
This light guided me
More surely than the light of noonday
To the place where he (well I knew who!)
was awaiting me—
A place where none appeared.
Oh, night that guided me,
Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,
Oh, night that joined
Beloved with lover,
Lover transformed in the Beloved!
Upon my flowery breast,
Kept wholly for himself alone,
There he stayed sleeping,
and I caressed him,
And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.
The breeze blew from the turret
As I parted his locks;
With his gentle hand
he wounded my neck
And caused all my senses to be suspended.
I remained, lost in oblivion;
My face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself,
Leaving my cares
forgotten among the lilies.
You can help me with my motivation by subscribing to my newsletter, and sharing a link would be the nicest compliment you could give me - it says my work is worthy of not just your time but those that are important to you.
I highly value your comments and encouragement it means a lot so please do so if what you enjoy what you hear, if it resonates with you or helps you in any way.
God bless you and keep you,
The Distant Spire
Footnotes and Resources
Recorded and produced by Dale Sigley ©2025
The Order of Carmelites is a religious order that has their origins at Mount Carmel eight hundred years ago. It was revived by St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross in the sixteenth century. You can find out more here.
Saint John of the Cross is an important figure in the Carmelite tradition, and his most well known work Dark Night of the Soul is full of profound theology and spiritual meaning.
I recommend The Collected Works of Saint John of The Cross which contains footnotes and commentary on Dark Night of the Soul and his other writings. For a short biography America Magazine has a good online introduction.
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