Music is a big part of how we respond to the Alleluia of Easter. Pick a hymn below to listen to, or link to your own favorite Easter hymn (I know some of you have some gems to share that I missed!) Write about how it strengthens and informs your faith and embodies the Alleluia of Easter
Widor's Toccata
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Flash mob of the Alleluia chrous by the Philadelphia Opera Company
I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds
I sat watching the Easter service from St. Peters Cathedral with the new pope in charge. I think he is a good model but has it backwards.
ReplyDeleteI think we should take the Easter services we usually have and do them on Maunday Thursday. We should celebrate Easter with the washing of feet, in a prison, of people we reject. It would give us the kind of humility that we need for the work to be done. Otherwise Easter Sunday is just a self congratulatory procession and the Grand Inquisitor is still in charge. Doug
I agree Doug. Its too easy for the 'Jesus is risen' acclaim to become an 'our team has won' cheer. And that misses the point as I see it. Still, on we go together.
DeleteHear, hear, my brothers. Sharing this Lent with you has been another life affirming blessing. We can live out daily the gift Word Become Flesh has given. The plot of Jesus life will ever be a drama par excellence.
Deleteronaldo
Easter Eyes (Hymn Like)
ReplyDeleteNew Eyes, New Eyes
They saw with new eyes!
The stone was rolled
New Life was told
They saw with new eyes
Early on that morn,
Before the sun was bright
They went out to the tomb,
To do what was right
To tend to the body
To embalm the past
But the tomb was empty
His death did not last
New Eyes New Eyes
They saw with new eyes!
The stone was rolled
New Life was told
They saw with new eyes
Disciples heard the stories
Idle words they thought
But ran to see it anyway
And a lesson they were taught
Jesus came and loved them
And gave them peace once more
To all including Thomas
That they might love and soar
New Eyes New Eyes
They saw with new eyes!
The stone was rolled
New Life was told
They saw with new eyes
Today the Lord still comes
To free us from our tombs
To help us love our neighbors
And bind up all the wounds
To give us hope for newness
For reconciliation and for peace
To give us to each other
That we might find release
New Eyes New Eyes
We see with new eyes!
The stone was rolled
New Life is told
We see with Easter Eyes!
Well done indeed. Turf it to a composer!
Deleteronaldo
A Paean to Easter
ReplyDeleteCan it be our Lord is risen? Joy fills the air.
Love unbound o’ercomes sin’s dark despair.
Can He be, released from death’s dark prison?
New life unleashed afresh for all to share.
Myrrh scent drifts from the tomb.
Creation’s forever opened her womb.
Never again will sin’s power loom.
Our Lord unends death’s reign of doom.
Open heart, rejoice spirit, dance free in sunrise air.
Our smiling Jesus unbound by angels, ends despair.
Locked doors unshackled, faith takes on life’s dare.
God’s promise, eternal life for all no longer rare;
Witnesses of rebirth, doulas all, we hold up the truth.
Power breaks on grace’s joy, Jesus lives, forsooth.
Clear the debris this world collects ‘round our gospel booth.
Heavenly choirs on earth, sing out no painful lyric uncouth.
Followers, servants bring lifestyles based on grace.
Community values encourage love, justice embrace.
Accept this moment’s challenge leaving fear no trace;
Lift up life, an offering rich lived at a tranquil pace.
Open tomb, a doorway into the season of abundant alleluias.
For fifty days called to wonder, our version of the mullahs.
Faith’s garden verdant, colorful buds of spiritual petunias;
Creation filled blossoms rare or common, azaleas to zinnias.
Simple words lifted up with melody, rhythm, choral blend.
High harmonies extend from microspheres to highest heaven wend.
Spirits intricate symphony, love’s counterpoint every turn and bend.
Word Become Flesh now risen, a most poignant solo voice does lend.
Capture the wonder of this new day.
Embrace refreshing reality along the way.
Don’t hesitate to express our gospel lay.
God has triumphed, that’s the final say.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
31.3.13