Today marks the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and the beginning of a remarkable two-week anomaly in the Post-Pentecost readings: For the first two Sundays in September, the readings are actually thematic!
Normally, the readings follow three separate—and unrelated—tracks: This year, the Old-Testament Lesson gives highlights in the history of the Kings of Israel; the Psalm comments on the Lesson; the Epistle gives highlights from certain biblical letters of the Apostles; and the Gospel mostly moves through the book of Mark.
Today, the readings still follow those tracks, but are actually unified in message. (I have yet to discover why this applies for only two Sundays, but that’s another story.) The message? Do good to the poor and needy!
Prelude:
Bach, If You But Trust in God to Guide You
Today’s Prelude has been chosen to anticipate the Call to Worship: the Prelude suggests, “If you but trust in God… [He’ll] give you hope and strength”; in the Call to Worship we respond, “We trust in God”.
The verse of this chorale that inspired Bach’s version is as follows:
If you but trust in God to guide
you
And place your confidence in him,
You'll find him always there beside you
To give you hope and strength within;
For those who trust God's changeless love
Build on the rock that will not move.
This setting of the chorale is presented as a theme with two variations and a recapitulation—four sections in all:
- Theme: Only the chorale melody and a bass line, a rather thin texture—like the suggestion of an idea;
- Variation I: the melody is accompanied by short breathless motifs, falling and rising in large gestures—symbolizing anxiety and instability;
- Variation II: the melody is highly ornamented (like a skilled soloist would do) and placed over a very peaceful accompaniment—an gentle oration in stark contrast to the anxiety of Variation I;
- Recapitulation: the melody is declared in a full, firm texture—denoting a sense of resolve.
The track that the Old-Testament Lesson has been following has moved from King Solomon to examples of his writings: Last week we heard a famous passage from his “Song of Songs”; this week, we begin to hear excerpts from his “Book of Proverbs” (examples of his legendary God-given wisdom). Following the theme in today’s readings, Solomon advises, “Do not mistreat the poor, for God is looking out for them.”
The Responsive Psalm always relates to the Old Testament lesson: Here, the Psalmist comments on God’s looking out for his people.
Anthem:
Anonymous, Ubi Caritas et Amor
Following the overall theme of today’s readings, the anthem is a commentary on Christian charity; the Latin text of this Gregorian chant translates as follows:
Where
charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.
Where
charity and love are, God is there.
As we are gathered into one body,
Beware, lest we be divided in mind.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,
And may Christ our God be in our midst.
Where
charity and love are, God is there.
And may we with the saints also,
See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:
The joy that is immense and good,
Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.
The track that the Epistle has been following has moved through II Corinthians, Ephesians, and—as of last week—to James. Last week, we heard the passage noted for the line, “be doers of the word, not merely hearers”; this week, we hear the passage about faith without works being dead.
James preaches against partiality toward the rich and lack of sympathy toward the poor. This resonates well with Solomon’s advice in the Old-Testament Lesson.
The track that the Gospel has been following brings us to two stories: Jesus heals the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter, and Jesus heals a deaf-mute. These are examples of Jesus having mercy on those in need (even those to whom he was not sent) and doing good to them—very much in the spirit of today’s theme.
Offertory:
Gabriel, I Stand Amazed in the Presence
This song picks up from the Preaching Text (Mark 7.37: “They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’”) While the Sermon itself deals with healing ministries, the Offertory looks at spiritual healing (see Verse 2). The following are select verses from Gabriel’s classic Gospel song:
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean. (Refrain:) How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me!He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone. (Refrain) When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
'Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of his love for me. (Refrain)
Postlude:
Sleeth, Go Now in Peace
The Postlude rounds off today’s service, picking up from James 2.16b (“Go in peace…”) and Psalm 125.5b (“Peace be upon Israel!”) as well as Psalm 125.2 (“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people”):
Go now in peace. May the love of God surround you everywhere you may go.
Notes on Today’s Service
(Easter Sunday)
Today is Easter Sunday, and the beginning of Eastertide—a forty-day season, filled with Alleluias, in which we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Over the season, we will encounter various themes: The First Lesson, drawn from the Book of Acts, will describe the deeds of the early Church; the Second Lesson, drawn from the first letter of St. John, will speak of the faith and hope of those who serve the risen Christ; and the Gospel will describe the various appearances of Christ to his disciples, and his deeds before ascending to heaven.
Prelude: Improvisation for Easter
There is very little to say on this; it is exactly what it says: an improvisation for Easter, setting the mood of Easter morning—completely off the cuff.
First Lesson: Isaiah 25: 6-9
In this alternate Lectionary reading (in Eastertide, the First Lesson is from the Book of Acts) Isaiah prophecies a day when God will destroy death, saving his people and taking away their disgrace.
Psalm: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24
These psalm selections are a hymn of victory: The deeds of God has saved his people, who will not die, but enter into his courts.
Anthem: Rutter, Christ the Lord is Risen Again
John Rutter’s energetic and rhythmic setting of Michael Weisse’s hymn puts the Easter message into context—Christ died, rose from the dead, and lives on high; and now we must tell that message abroad:
Christ the Lord is risen again!
Christ hath broken every chain!
Hark, the angels shout for joy,
Singing evermore on high,
Alleluia!
He, who gave for us His life,
Who for us endured the strife,
Is our Paschal Lamb today!
We, too, sing for joy and say
Alleluia!
He who bore all pain and loss
Comfortless upon the cross,
Lives in glory now on high,
Pleads for us, and hears our cry.
Alleluia!
Now He bids us tell abroad
How the lost may be restored,
How the penitent forgiven,
How we, too, may enter Heav’n.
Alleluia!
Thou, our Paschal Lamb indeed,
Christ, today thy people feed;
Take our sins and guilt away,
That we all may sing for ay,
Alleluia!
Epistle: I Corinthians 15: 1-11
Paul summarizes the essentials of the Gospel—Christ died, rose again, and appeared to his disciples.
Gospel: John 20: 1-18
Mary Magdalene goes to visit Jesus’ tomb, and finds him not there. After she shows this to Peter and John, who return home, she waits by the tomb and weeps. The risen Jesus appears to her, and bids her tell his disciples what she has seen.
Offertory: Michael Card, Love Crucified, Arose
Michael Card’s praise song—Love Crucified, Arose—is the musical offering of Martin Mulimbwa. The lyrics say enough:
Long ago He blessed the earth,
Born older than the years
And in the stall a cross He saw
Through the first of many tears
A life of homeless wandering
Cast out in sorrow's way
The Shepherd seeking for the lost
His life, the price He paid.
Love crucified, arose
The Risen One in splendor
Jehovah soul Defender
Has won the victory
Love crucified, arose
And the grave became a place of hope
For the heart that sin and sorrow broke
Is beating once again
Throughout Your life You felt the
weight
Of what You'd come to give
To drink for us that crimson cup
So we might really live
At last the time to love and die
The dark appointed day
That one forsaken moment
When Your Father turned His face away.
Love crucified, arose
The One who lived the died for me
Was Satan's nail-pierced casualty
Now He's breathing once again
Love crucified, arose
And the grave became a place of hope
For the heart that sin and sorrow broke
Is beating once again.
Love crucified, arose
The Risen One in splendor
Jehovah soul defender
Has won the victory
Love crucified, arose
And the grave became a place of hope
for the heart that sin and sorrow broke
is beating once again.
Love crucified, arose
The One who lived and died for me
Was Satan's nail-pierced casualty
Now He's breathing once again.
Closing Response: McKay, Festal Amen
Our Amen has many arrangements to match the liturgical colour and character of the Sunday. Today it is the Festal Version, corresponding to white (or gold)—the colour of great joy.
Postlude: Handel, ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus
This is the most famous chorus from Handel’s oratorio (The) Messiah, representing in the oratorio’s narrative the moment when Christ rose triumphant over death:
Hallelujah: For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!
Notes on Today’s Service
(Palm/Passion Sunday)
Today is Palm/Passion Sunday, a liturgical observance which at first seems to bear a mixed message: We begin today’s service by commemorating Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem—a note of true festal joy after weeks of fasting—only to launch headlong into the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday! However, this is not a mixed message at all: Christ enters Jerusalem—amidst waving palms and cries of “Hosanna”—hailed as a conquering hero, coming to save his people; but he comes to save them by laying down his life for them—he “ride[s] on in majesty,” but he rides “in lowly pomp… to die”.
Prelude: Liszt, “Vexilla Regis Prodeunt” from Via Crucis
From Hungarian composer Franz Liszt’s musical meditation on the Stations of the Cross comes this
setting of (select verses from) the Gregorian hymn Vexilla Regis Prodeunt:
The royal banners forward go,
The cross shines forth in mystic glow
Where he, the life, did death endure
And by that death, did life procure.
Fulfilled is all that David told
In true prophetic song of old:
”Amidst the nations, God,” saith he,
”Hath reigned and triumphed from the tree.” Amen.
Beginning with a description of a king’s procession, then quickly moving on to describe how that king’s power comes from his death upon the cross, this hymn acts as an epigraph for the whole theme of today’s service.
The First Lesson: Mark 11: 1-11
After describing a rather involved process to acquire a colt for Jesus to ride on, Mark tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (it’s his year to do this).
Psalm: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
This psalm, with its description of a “festal procession with branches” leading “up to… the altar” is probably the very psalm the people of Jerusalem sang as Jesus rode by, the words “save us… give us success” (v. 25) being what the cry “hosanna” means.
Cantata: Martin, Colors of Grace
In lieu of the four Passion Sunday readings (including the entire St. Mark Passion!), the preparatory hymn, and the sermon, we present Joseph Martin’s cantata Colors of Grace: Lessons for Lent. In the composer’s own words:
During Holy Week, the last days of Christ are often characterized with words like suffering and darkness. Taking a closer look, however, we can see suffering and darkness were, in fact, instruments of great joy and light.
From Thursday evening’s Passover meal through Friday’s dark hours on the cross, the light of Christ continued to illuminate the Truth. With intense clarity, the Teacher was showing us by example the greatest lessons of his ministry: service, obedience, humility, and forgiveness. Through Christ, the full spectrum of God’s grace is reflected in beautiful hues upon our lives.
In the suffering of Holy Week, find joy. In its darkness, see Light. “For Light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is the power of Christ’s grace and the source of great joy.
Offertory: Pachelbel, O Lamm Gottes unschuldig
Following on the heels of the message of the cross and the cries of Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) at the end of the cantata, I offer Johann Pachelbel’s setting of the Lutheran chorale O Lamm Gottes unschuldig:
O Lamb of God all holy,
Who on the Cross didst suffer,
And patient still and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer:
Our sins by Thee were taken,
Or hope had us forsaken:
Have mercy upon us, o Jesu.
Closing Response: McKay, Violet (Lenten) Amen
Our Amen has many arrangements to match the liturgical colour and character of the Sunday. Today it is violet—the colour of penitence—and filled with falling two-note motives, a musical symbol of sighing and sorrow.
Postlude: Liszt, “Vexilla Regis Prodeunt” from Via Crucis
In the Prelude, we heard the first two sections of Liszt’s setting as a precursor to the whole theme of the service; at the end of today’s liturgy, we hear the conclusion of that setting—acting as a prayer of benediction:
O Cross, our one reliance, hail!
So may thy power with us avail
To give new virtue to the saint
And pardon to the penitent. Amen.
Next Sunday (Easter Sunday):
Next Sunday is Easter, another forty-day season; but unlike the forty days of Lent, we will celebrate, celebrate the mighty Resurrection of Christ—his victory over death—with joyful alleluias.
I know I'm early...but looking back on some photos from Iona, Scotland, has caused me to pause. It was a series of photos on one of the little islands in the inlet where I worked. You could walk over when the tide is low, (which I did) and wade when the tide came up (which I did for these as well). This evening a wicked storm was rolling in. And roll it did. It was beautiful when I walked out- but then this pillar cloud came right up the inlet- and the weather spun. These were of the simple cross that stands atop that hill. Some of the non-Christians that were my (beloved) workmates found the cross to be offensive.
And so, I suppose, it is.
A PENITENTIAL INTRODUCTION TO PRAYER
Leader: Seek the Lord while he may be found,
People: Call upon him while he is near.
Leader: Let the wicked abandon their ways.
People: And the unrighteous their thoughts.
Leader: Turn back to the Lord, who will have mercy;
People: To our God who will richly pardon us.
A time of silence and self-examination shall be kept.
All: Have
mercy on us, O God,
according
to your loving-kindness:
and in your great compassion
blot
out our offences.
Against you only have we sinned:
and done what is evil in your sight.
Purge us from our sin and we shall be
pure:
wash us and we shall be clean indeed.
Create in us a clean heart, O God:
and renew a right spirit within us.
Leader: The Lord,
who is faithful and just,
forgive us our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Leader: Blessèd is the Lord,
People: For he has heard the voice of our prayer;
Leader: Therefore shall our hearts dance for joy
People: And in our song will we praise our God.
All: Glory
to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever. Amen.
THE PREPARATION
Leader: O God, make speed to save us.
People: O Lord, make haste to help us.
Leader: Let your ways be known upon earth,
People: Your saving power among the nations.
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and shall be forever. Amen.
THE OPENING HYMN:
“My Righteous Judge, My Gracious God”
(Tune: O WALY WALY)
My righteous Judge, my gracious
God,
Hear when I spread my hands abroad,
And cry for succour from thy throne;
O make thy truth and mercy known.
I dwell in darkness and unseen,
My heart is desolate within;
My thoughts in musing silence trace
The ancient wonders of thy grace.
Thence I derive a glimpse of hope
To bear my sinking spirits up;
I stretch my hands to God again,
And thirst like parchèd lands for rain.
Break off my fetters, Lord, and
show
Which is the path my feet should go;
If snares and foes beset the road,
I flee to hide me near my God.
Teach me to do thy holy will,
And lead me to thy heav’nly hill;
Let the good Spirit of thy love
Conduct me to thy courts above.
Then shall my soul no more
complain,
The tempter then shall rage in vain;
And flesh that was my foe before,
Shall never vex my spirit more.
THE OPENING PRAYER
Leader: Stir up in
us, O God, the fire of your love,
that we may be cleansed of all our sins
and so be made ready to come into your presence,
singing your praises now and for ever.
People: Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
THE OLD
TESTAMENT READING
(Numbers 21: 4-9)
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
THE RESPONSIVE PSALM
(Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22)
REFRAIN: Wellspring, source of life eternal:
Drench our dryness, make us whole.
O give thanks to the LORD, for the Lórd ís góod;
God’s steadfast love endúres fóréver.
Let the redeemed of the LŐRD sáy so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in fróm thé lánds,
from the east and fróm thé wést,
from the north and fróm thé sóuth.
REFRAIN: Wellspring, source of life eternal:
Drench our dryness, make us whole.
Some were sick through their sínfúl wáys,
and because of their iniquities endúred áfflíction;
they loathed any kínd óf fóod,
and they drew near to the gátes óf déath.
Then in their trouble they cried tó
thé LÓRD,
who saved them from théir dístréss;
the Lord sent out a wórd ánd héaled
them,
and delivered them fróm déstrúction.
Let them give thanks for the LORD’s stéadfást lóve,
for God’s wonderful works to húmánkínd.
And let them offer thanksgívíng sácrifices,
and tell of his deeds with sóngs óf jóy.
REFRAIN: Wellspring, source
of life eternal:
Drench our dryness, make us whole.
THE
EPISTLE READING
(EPHESIANS 2: 1-10)
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
THE
MOTET
(Tune: TALLIS CANON)
Cantors: God loved the world so that He gave
His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in Him believe
Should everlasting life receive.
THE GOSPEL READING
(John 3: 14-21)
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
THE GOSPEL HYMN:
”My Soul Gives Glory to My God”
(Tune: MORNING SONG)
My soul gives glory to my God.
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me;
Yes, holy is this name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
From age to age, to all who fear,
Such mercy love imparts,
Dispensing justice far and near,
Dismissing selfish hearts.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
Promotes the insecure,
Leaves hungry spirits satisfied;
The rich seem suddenly poor.
Praise God, whose loving covenant
Supports those in distress,
Remembering past promises
With present faithfulness.
THE PRAYERS
Leader: With faith and love and in union with
Christ,
we offer our prayers before the throne of grace:
Let us pray for God’s people,
for whom His Son laid down his life—
that He may have mercy on them.
(Silence)
Let us pray for all people and nations,
particularly those torn apart by division—
that God may have pity on them
and bring them healing and wholeness.
(Silence)
Let us pray for all those who are
persecuted for sake of God’s name—
that He may strengthen them
and deliver them from evil. (Silence)
Let us pray for all who suffer—
that God may look in mercy upon them,
and hear those who cry out in pain and desolation. (Silence)
Let us pray for the dying—
that God may bring comfort to them
and gladden their hearts
with the power of His glory. (Silence)
Let us pray for the departed—
that God may give them rest
and bring them to glory everlasting. (Silence)
As we rejoice in the triumph of the cross,
we pray that the whole of creation may find fulfillment
in the eternal kingdom
of God:
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example
of his patience and humility
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
THE CONCLUSION
Leader: On the cross, our Lord offered himself to
the Father for the whole world.
So, at the foot of his cross, we join our prayers with his:
At this point in the service anyone may come forward to touch the cross, as a sign of entrusting to God their own burdens—as well as those of others—in union with Christ and his suffering.
THE CONTEMPLATIVE HYMN:
“Lord, Have Mercy”
(Tune: KYRIE [STRATHDEE])
Lord, have mercy;
Christ, have mercy;
Lord, have mercy upon us.
THE BLESSING
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.
People: Amen.
The congregation is invited to enter the chapel in silence.
A THE BLESSING OF THE LIGHT
When it is time for the service to begin, the three Leaders, holding tapers, gather at the East entrance to the Chapel.
Leader 1: Lighting his/her taper off the Paschal
Candle:
I will light a light
in the name of the Maker,
who lit the world
and breathed the breath of life for me.
Leader 1 lights the central candle of the three-branch candlestick and goes to the lectern.
Leader 2: Lighting his/her taper off the Paschal
Candle:
I will light a light
in the name of the Son,
who saved the world
and stretched out his hand to me.
Leader 2 lights the North-side candle of the three-branch candlestick and stands to the North side of the dais.
Leader 3: Lighting his/her taper off the Paschal
Candle:
I will light a light
in the name of the spirit,
who encompasses the world
and blesses my soul with yearning.
Leader 3 lights the South-side candle of the three-branch candlestick and goes to the South side of the dais.
Leaders: Coming together in front of the dais—Leader
1 in the middle, Leader 2 at Leader 1’s right, and Leader 3 at Leader 1’s left:
We light three lights
for the Trinity of love:
God above us,
God beside us,
God beneath us;
The Beginning,
The End,
The Everlasting One.
The 3 Leaders retire to their places—Leader 1 to the lectern, Leader 2 to the East end of the North pews, and Leader 3 to the East end of the South pews.
Leader (1): Christ
your light shall rise in the darkness
and your healing shall spring up like the dawn.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you all
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
People: Who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise.
Leader: Blessèd
are you, Sovereign God,
Shepherd of your pilgrim people:
their pillar of cloud by day,
their pillar of fire by night.
Stir up in us the fire of your love
which shone forth from your Son
enthroned on the cross,
that we may be cleansed of all our sins
and be made ready to come into your presence,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
People: Blessèd be God for ever!
A SONG OF
THE LIGHT
Tune:
Tallis’ Canon
While this hymn is sung, Leaders 2 & 3 light the taper of the person West of them, who then lights the taper of the person West of him/her, and so on. Leader 1 lights the altar candles.
O radiant light, O sun divine
Of God the Father's deathless face,
O image of the light sublime
That fills the heav'nly dwelling
place.
Lord Jesus Christ, as daylight fades,
As shine the lights of eventide,
We praise the Father with the Son,
The Spirit blest and with them one.
O Son of God, the source of life,
Praise is your due by night and day;
Unsullied lips must raise the strain
Of your proclaimed and splendid name.
THE PSALM
(Psalm 27)
Cantors: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
then sháll Í féar? *
the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I bé áfráid?
People: For
in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe ín hís shélter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upón á róck.
Cantors: Even now he lifts úp mý héad *
above my enemies róund ábóut me;
People: Therefore
I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds óf gréat gládness; *
I will sing and make music tó thé Lórd.
Cantors: Hearken to my voice, O Lord, whén Í cáll; *
have mercy on me and ánswér mé.
People: You
speak in my heart and say, ‘Séek mý fáce.’ *
Your face, Lord, wíll Í séek.
Cantors: Show me your wáy, Ó Lórd;*
lead me on a level path, because óf mý énemies.
People: O
tarry and await the Lord’s pleasure; be strong and he shall comfórt yóur héart;*
wait patiently fór thé Lórd.
Leader: Let us pray:
O God our defender,
give us the light of truth and wisdom
that all our hope may be fixed on you,
and on your Son, Jesus the Christ.
People: Amen.
THE FIRST READING
(Isaiah 58: 6-7, 10b)
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light […] will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
THE FIRST CANTICLE
Refrain: Tell the good news of Jesús thé Chríst *
to all who are searching fór rédémption.
Cantors: This is the message we have heard from
Christ and procláim tó yóu:*
that God is light, in whom there is no darknéss át áll.
People: If
we say that we have fellowship with God while we wálk ín dárkness,*
we lie and do not do whát ís trúe.
Cantors: But if we walk in the light as God is ín thé
líght,*
we have fellowship with óne ánóther.
People: For
the blood of Jesus, the Són óf Gód,*
cleanses us from áll óur síns.
Cantors: If we say that we háve nó sín,*
we deceive ourselves and the truth is nót ín ús.
People: If
we conféss óur síns,*
the One who is faithful and just will forgive us and cleanse us from áll únríghteousness.
Refrain: Tell the good news of Jesús thé Chríst *
to all who are searching fór rédémption.
THE SECOND READING
(Luke 11: 33-36)
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.”
THE SECOND CANTICLE
Refrain: Grant us
your líght, Ó Lórd,*
that the darkness of our hearts being overcome,
we may receive the true light,
even Chríst óur Sáviour.
Cantors: Now,
Lord, you let your servant gó ín péace:*
your word has béen fúlfílled.
People: My own eyes have seen thé sálvátion *
which you have prepared in the sight of éverý péople;
All: A light to reveal you tó thé nátions*
and the glory of your péoplé Ísrael
Refrain: Grant us
your líght, Ó Lórd,*
that the darkness of our hearts being overcome,
we may receive the true light,
even Chríst óur Sáviour.
THE PRAYERS
Leader: Lord,
it is night.
The night is for the stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of
God. Pause
for silent prayer.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been
done;
let it be. Pause
for silent prayer.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the
world
and of our own lives rest in you. Pause
for silent prayer.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace
enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no
peace. Pause for silent prayer.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new
day,
new joys,
new possibilities. Pause
for silent prayer.
In your name we pray. Amen.
THE CONCLUSION
The Leader invites the congregation to come forward one by one—approaching the altar, taking a candle, lighting it, and sticking it in the bowl on the altar, offering a prayer to God—and returning to their seat. While this takes place, the song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” shall be sung.
THE BLESSING
May Christ our light fill our darkness with his radiance, and God’s blessing be always upon us. Amen.
Notes on Today’s Music
(Fifth Sunday in Lent)
Today is the fifth and final Sunday in Lent. With it, there is a sense of finality in the themes we have heard over the season: In the Old Testament lesson, God promises an ultimate covenant—He will write his laws on his people’s hearts, and He will forgive their sins; in the Epistle (and the Gospel), we learn how—through the priesthood (and self-sacrifice) of Jesus Christ; in the Gospel, Jesus foretells his death for the last time—for his time is at hand.
In addition to this doctrinal theme, there is a practical lesson to be learned: Christ submitted himself to God completely—even unto death (in spite of his own fears)—and was made perfect through his sufferings and glorified for his obedience; we must follow him on the same path—to wherever it may lead.
Prelude: Improvisation on Hyfrydol
The hymn tune Hyfrydol—best known as “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”—is the suggested tune for Brenton Prygge’s hymn “Heart”. Based on Jeremiah 31: 31-34—today’s Old Testament reading—it invites us to open our hearts to God, that he may write his law on them:
Come, my children, my beloved,
find in me your journey's start;
there is much to be discovered –
let me write upon your heart!
How I long for you to know me,
know me as I truly am;
How I long to see you growing,
to be all I know you can.
Know me, children! I will grow you
as we walk my living Way;
Learn from me, and I will show you
how to give yourself away.
Come my children, walk beside me,
let us never be apart;
Learn my ways and always I'll be
writing love upon your heart.
Old Testament: Jeremiah 31: 31-34
God is making a new covenant with his people—he will write his laws in their hearts, and he will remember their sins no more.
Psalm: Psalm 51: 1-12
This psalm acts as a direct response to God’s new covenant, a positive reply: God promises “I will forgive their iniquity”, and we reply “wash me thoroughly from my iniquity”; God promises “I will write [my law] on their hearts”, and we reply “teach me wisdom in my secret heart”.
Anthem: Roberton, All in the April Evening
Hugh Roberton’s classic setting of Katharine Tynan Hinkson’s meditation on Christ’s passion anticipates and supports the function of the Epistle and Gospel readings—God will forgive his people’s iniquities through the death of his only Son:
All in the April evening
April airs were abroad;
The sheep with their little lambs
Passed me by on the road.
The sheep with their little lambs
Passed me by on the road;
All in the April evening
I thought on the Lamb of God.
The lambs were weary and crying
With a weak, human cry.
I thought on the Lamb of God
Going meekly to die.
Up in the blue, blue mountains
Dewy pastures are sweet;
Rest for the little bodies,
Rest for the little feet.
But for the Lamb of God,
Up on the hill-top green,
Only a cross of shame
Two stark crosses between.
All in the April evening,
April airs were abroad;
I saw the sheep with their lambs,
And thought on the Lamb of God.
Epistle: Hebrews 5: 5-10
Paul, as part of his discourse on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, discusses how Christ completely submitted himself to God, suffering in his earthly life, and how this suffering made him perfect. Because he experienced human suffering in full, and was made perfect by it, he is ultimately qualified to act as an intermediary on our behalf in Heaven—this is his priesthood.
Gospel: John 12: 20-33
Jesus predicts his death for the last time: his death—by being “lifted up” (on the cross)—is necessary for God’s plan of salvation: Jesus is destined to offer himself as a sacrifice to God for the sin of the world. Not only is Jesus High Priest, but sacrifice as well—and in this God glorifies his name.
Offertory: Mendelssohn, O God Have Mercy
From Mendelssohn’s oratorio St. Paul, the bass aria O God, Have Mercy expands on our lectionary psalm, Psalm 51:
O God, have mercy upon me, and blot out my transgressions, according to Thy loving-kindness, yea, even for Thy mercy’s sake. Deny me not, O cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy spirit from me, O Lord. Lord, a broken heart, and a contrite heart is offered before Thee. O God, have mercy upon me, and blot out my transgressions according to Thy loving-kindness, yea, even for Thy mercy’s sake. I will speak of Thy salvation, I will teach transgressors, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Then open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall shew forth Thy glorious praise. O blot out my transgressions, according to Thy loving-kindness, Lord, and for Thy mercy’s sake.
Of particular note is v. 13, missing from the responsive psalm: “I will speak of Thy salvation, I will teach transgressors, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee”, a fitting resolve in response to God’s mercy.
Closing Response: McKay, Violet (Lenten) Amen
Our Amen has many arrangements to match the liturgical colour and
character of the Sunday. Today it is
violet—the colour of penitence—and filled with falling two-note motives, a
musical symbol of sighing and sorrow.
Postlude: Improvisation on Grafton
Grafton is the tune associated with the hymn “For the Healing of the Nations” (Book of Praise #736). The final verse of this hymn summarizes the themes of today’s readings, and rounds off the service as a type of musical viaticum:
You, Creator God, have
written
Your great name on humankind;
For our growing in your likeness
Bring the life of Christ to mind,
That, by our response and service,
Earth its destiny may find.
Next Sunday (Palm/Passion Sunday):
Next Sunday, we commemorate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and examine the lessons we can learn from his last days on earth.
This is supposed to me my commentary on our service for the Fourth Sunday in Lent; however, there was a guest preacher who decided to abandon the Lectionary readings for Lent IV and replace them with those of Epiphany VII (not observed this year). Fortunately, the overall message for both Sundays is similar, so the message of the music was not compromised very much. (You may notice a hint of bitterness in the commentary ^_^)
Notes on Today’s Service
(Fourth Sunday in Lent)
Today is the fourth Sunday in Lent, also known as “Laetare” (“Rejoice!”) Sunday. Being the Sunday closest to the mid-point of Lent, it is traditional at this time to relax the austerities of the season. The theme of today’s (albeit non-lectionary) readings is one of joy: God has promised to heal his people, forgiving their sins; in his faithfulness, he fulfills his promise in the person of Jesus Christ.
Prelude: Pachelbel, Variations on ‘Songs of Thankfulness and Praise’
Today’s Prelude acts as a kind of musical epigraph to the overall theme of the service, summarized by
the hymn’s third verse:God revealed in making whole
Weakened limbs and fainting soul,
God revealed in valiant fight
Quelling all the devil’s might,
God revealed in gracious will,
Ever bringing good from ill:
Anthems be to you addressed,
God in Christ made manifest.
Old Testament: Isaiah 43.18-25
God is about to do a new thing: to forgive his people’s sins—in spite of their unworthiness—for his own sake.
Psalm: Psalm 41
This psalm has interesting layers of meaning: on one level it is the prayer of one who is ill, either physically or spiritually; on the other hand, verses 5-11 have resonances with the death and resurrection of Christ; combined, we may read that it is the power of God in Christ that can heal us—body and soul.
Anthem: Mendelssohn, He Watching Over Israel
Although intended to offer musical commentary on the lectionary story of the brazen serpent, this anthem’s message of trust in a faithful, healing God fits today’s readings as well: He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps. Shouldst thou, walking in grief, languish, He will quicken thee. He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps.
Epistle: II Corinthians 1.18-22
Paul, as part of his self-defense for not being able to visit Corinth a second time as promised, speaks of the faithfulness of his character, the faithfulness of the Christ he preaches, and the faithfulness of the God’s promises as fulfilled in Christ. The important message in this reading is that God is faithful to his promises.
Gospel: Mark 2.1-12
Jesus heals a paralytic as a sign of his power and authority to forgive sins. This is God being faithful (like Paul says) to his promise (according to Isaiah) to forgive sins—through Jesus Christ.
Offertory: Stainer, God So Loved the World
Originally intended as a musical intensification of the Gospel reading (John 3.14-21), this setting of John 3.16-17—God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life; for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved—still supports the message of today’s readings.
Closing Response: McKay, Rose Amen
Our Amen has many arrangements to match the liturgical colour and character of the Sunday. Today it is rose—the colour of penitence moderated—the sighs and tears are still present, but the sighs are of relief, and the tears of joy.
Postlude: McKay, Improvisation on ‘Belmont’ (See Hymn #696, verse 4)
Closing our worship, today’s Postlude expresses our response to the lessons the service has offered, intending to exemplify God’s healing power in the world, and asking for his blessing in this:
Lord, to
our hearts your joy commit,
Into our hands your pain,
So send us out to touch the world
With blessings in your name.
Next Sunday (Lent V):
Next Sunday, we look at God’s “new covenant” in the sacrifice of Christ.
We had a great time at the Cusack homestead a few nights ago! It was a real treat to hear John play the accordion -not on a recording! We had Eldon and his wife, Herald and Mary-Ann, Jon and Chris, and my sweet-babboo.
Me? I knit in the corner. (And tapped my toes) Oh, and I did have some killer games of connect-4 with the young'ns Sam and Ben.
