02 May 2010

Cantate

brought such joy in the music today. Carlo blest us (as usual) with fabulous organ pieces for prelude (Voluntary I by Stanley), offering (Nun Freut Euch by Wechmann), and postlude (Festal March by Kroeger). The choir sang their hearts out on "First Song of Isaiah" - and the only complaint I heard was from members of the congregation itching to sing along with them - we all love that piece! Wow, did the choir ever do a FANTABULOUS job. It might just be my imagination but it sure sounds like the congregation sings the celtic alleluias louder each week. And we sang with great joy together "From All that Dwell" and "Dear Christians, One and All" and "At the Lamb's High Feast" and "Praise to the Lord" and "He Is Arisen, Glorious Word!" Paschal joy still gushing full and strong like an ever-flowing stream, five weeks out from the "feast of feasts" as the queen of seasons bright still renders its unique and brightly shining joy.

2 comments:

Rev. Paul T. McCain said...

I love the collect for this day:

O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Rev. Thomas C. Messer, SSP said...

Paul,

Me, too! "Where true joys are found!" All the focus off of me/us and solely on our Lord and the Gifts He delivers. Where is true joy found? In Holy Baptism; Holy Absolution; in the Holy Word read, preached, and sung; in the Holy Supper; in the Benediction - yes, fix our hearts on these, which NEVER change!