Chama

The song 'Chama' by Comunidade Católica Shalom is a profound expression of spiritual longing and divine love. The lyrics depict a deeply intimate relationship between the soul and the divine, often using the metaphor of a bride and groom to illustrate this connection. The opening lines, 'Há quanto tempo te esperava, amado meu,' set the tone for a narrative of anticipation and yearning. The soul, depicted as a bride, has been waiting and longing for the divine presence, enduring the 'frio sofrimento da espera'—the cold suffering of waiting. This suffering, however, is not in vain, as it distills 'o óleo do amor'—the oil of love—within the soul.

The divine response is equally passionate. The lyrics 'Há quanto tempo te amava, minha amada' reveal that the divine has also been waiting and longing for the soul's readiness. This mutual yearning culminates in a moment of union, where the soul is described as 'bela, sem mancha'—beautiful and without blemish. The imagery of the soul being adorned with the divine's 'sangue,' 'cravos,' and 'coroa'—blood, nails, and crown—symbolizes the transformative power of divine love and sacrifice. The soul's transformation is complete, and it exults in joy at the divine encounter, wearing garments washed in divine blood and bearing the divine name on its forehead.

The song reaches its climax with the invocation, 'Vem chama viva, vem meu amado,' calling the divine to come as a living flame. This flame is not just a symbol of love but also of purification and transformation. The soul, now ready and purified, invites the divine to 'queima o óleo destilado'—burn the distilled oil of love within it. This final act signifies the complete union of the soul with the divine, a union that is both passionate and purifying, encapsulating the essence of spiritual love and devotion.