Windows

Born on this day in 1879, Italian composer Ottorino Respighi and his wife were staying on the island of Capri. It had been a particularly joyful time. He recently had been introduced to Gregorian chant, a sound that he found inspirational. As one biographer commented, Respighi was filled with “joyous wonder” and the “mystic exultation of profound religious feeling.”

In this atmospheric environment, he began working on a composition he later called Church Windows. Completed in 1925, each scene musically described key moments in his spiritual life.

The first “window,” entitled, “The Flight into Egypt,” portrays Jesus as a baby. The second window focuses on “St. Michael the Archangel,” and reminds us of the awe-inspiring presence of this powerful archangel. This window depicts a heavy battle, as angels battle with Satan’s demons.

The third window, “The Matins of St. Clare,” describes in delicate terms a spiritual pilgrimage, while the last window focuses on “St. Gregory the Great.” Revealing his spiritual intentions, Respighi wrote these words in Latin on the score: “Bless the Lord…Sing the Hymn to God. Alleluia!”

Windows are symbols for how we see the world, whether our view is distorted, or whether we see with clarity.

Make sure that your windows are clear and that you are looking at the right things. Ask God for discernment and clarity, to remove anything that causes distortion and clouds your vision.

Add comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Trending Now

Sign up today for your Inspiration Today Daily Newsletter

Supercharge your faith and ignite your spirit. Find hope in God’s word. Receive your Inspiration Today newsletter now!

Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

View Author Posts

Be A Blessing To Someone In Need of God's Word!

Next Steps To Strengthen Your Walk

Inspiration Today Newsletter

Supercharge your faith and ignite your spirit. Find hope in God’s word. Receive your Inspiration Today newsletter now!

Christian Articles

Find articles to strengthen your walk and grow your faith. We have a wide range of topics and authors for you.

Read For FREE

Submit A Prayer Request

We are here for you. Simply click on the button below to reach us by form, email or phone. Together we will lift our hearts and voices with you in prayer.

I Need Prayer

Partner With Us

Let’s do something amazing for the Kingdom—together.
Join hands with us in faith, love, and action!

Give Online Today