Called to Listen: ‘Jerusalem’ by James Raymond

Paul Keggington

March 01, 2011

As Lent calls us back to prayer, penance, almsgiving and self-denial, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite you to listen to Jerusalem by James Raymond.  The song is really about the ‘Jerusalem Syndrome’ and the importance of proceeding through life in a manner that awakens us to reality. Lent is a season of special grace that challenge us to retain our spiritual ideals, while discerning our role in facilitating God’s Kingdom which has not yet fully emerged. As Thomas Merton wrote We may at times be able to show the world Christ in moments when all can clearly discern in history some confirmation of the Christian message. But the fact remains that our task is to seek and find Christ in the world as it is, and not as it might be.” 

Indeed, it is easy to expect too much too soon, or to only look for God in momentous events or movements, while missing God’s presence in everyday life.  We will be celebrating the Feast Days of Saints during this Lent who knew well the importance of discerning and finding God in reality, yet retaining a healthy and realistic hope – St. Isidore, St. Patrick, St Joseph, St. John Baptist de la Salle and St. Bernadette.

About James Raymond

James Raymond

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity highlight James Raymond's 'Jerusalem' as the March Song of the Month on Franciscanized World.

As an accomplished songwriter and composer, James has written and produced numerous projects, including television spots and arrangements for shows, series, pilots and recently scored the feature film That’s What I Am for writer/director Michael Pavone which premiered at the 2011 Santa Barbara Film Festival. 

An adopted child, James’ supportive parents were keen to pick up on his musical gift early in life. He started studying piano at the age of six and was playing in rock and R&B bands by his early teens. In 1995 James was reunited with his birth father David Crosby.  In June of 1998 the self-titled debut album from CPR (Crosby, Pevar & Raymond) was released on Samson Music.  CPR’s second studio record, ‘Just Like Gravity’ was released in June 2001.

Comment from James

“I have spent some time in Assisi and am very fond of the ideals that St. Francis embodies.”

-James Raymond

Lyrics: Jerusalem

Website:

http://www.jamesraymond.com

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