Meditation of unknown duration in the midst of the fragrance, the light, and the peculiar atmosphere resulting from that strange world. I am abruptly brought back by the bells on the censer ring to the rhythm of ‘I send my prayer to You as incense,’ and from one second to the next, we have a celebration. ‘Hear me, Lord,’ a direct and bold cry, requiring mercy, but which sounds like a living song, almost joyous. Who can speak to God in this way? The melody still plays within me, even though the vespers have finished and we are walking towards the refectory for dinner.
