As it was November 1st we sang W.W.How's hymn 'For All The Saints' in church this morning to what has been described as one of the finest hymn tunes of the 20th century, Sine Nomine by Vaughan Williams.
This festival helps us make that connection between the Church Militant (us here on earth) and the Church Triumphant (those already in God's nearer presence).
Having taken the funeral of a dear friend just last Monday in Malvern I couldn't help but think of him as we sang this morning.
Today - on one of the warmest and sunniest November days ever recorded it feels right, as we enter the year's end, to remember folk we have loved who are no longer with us.
Yet in a sense they do stay with us - in our hearts and minds and in our gratitude.
I recall with particular affection my maternal grandmother. On the very last time I saw her just hours before she died, she looked me in the eyes and managed to mouth the words 'Thank You' to me - that sad yet immensely beautiful encounter remains one of my most precious memories.
I confess I love How's hymn - he originally wrote no less that eleven verses - most hymn books cut it down to seven at most. Here are three of them:
O blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine,
yet all are yours and all in praise combine.
Alleluia
The golden evening brightens in the west:
soon, soon to faithful warriers comes their rest,
the peaceful calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia
From earth's wide bounds, from dawn to setting sun,
through heaven's gates to God the three in one
they come, to sing the song on earth begun.
Alleluia
So may memories of the saints make your heart glad during this season of All Hallows.
No comments:
Post a Comment