Lent IV – Apr 3, 2011
The Fourth Sunday in Lent provides us with wonderful Scripture readings — but not ones that present an obvious connection to each other or a clear common thread. (Or at least, not obvious to me.) But perhaps they do all tell of how “the LORD does not see as mortals see.” And each lesson does tell of how God transforms the mundane or gloomy parts of our lives into occasions of grace and wonder.
The Old Testament reading is the account of the selection of David to be king of Israel. Surprise, surprise! God did not choose the older, stronger sons of Jesse, but instead selected David, the youngest, and of all things, a shepherd. (1 Samuel 16:1-13) Who then but a shepherd could write such a moving psalm as the favorite Psalm 23.
St. Paul urges readers to put away things of darkness and to live as children of light. To bring forth what is good and right and true, “Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-14)
The gospel reading is the familiar account of Jesus’ encounter with a man born blind. The teachers wanted to ascribe somebody’s fault as the cause of his malady, but Jesus saw it another way — he was as he was so that the works of God might be made known in him. (John 9:1-41)
Can it be true for us too? That we are as we are so that the works of God might be made known in us?
Choral Music:
- Chancel Choir: “Shepherd Me, O God” – Marty Haugen — This contemporary setting of Psalm 23 has become a new favorite of many, inviting the congregation to join on a refrain, and hearing the choir provide a lyrical, poetic setting of the psalm.
Organ Music:
- Prelude: “Be Now My Vision” – Franklin D. Ashdown — Published as “A Gaelic Idyll,” this piece is a lengthy, quiet meditation that evokes images that we might associate with Psalm 23. But it also cites directly the Irish folk song Slane, which is the tune for our opening hymn today.
- Offertory: “Healer of Our Every Ill” – Keith Kolander — This is a simple chorale prelude on a popular new hymn that sings of God’s mercies in transforming our illnesses, needs, and sadnesses into occasions for hope and joy.
- Postlude: “Fugue in d” – Johann Pachelbel — This is simply a favorite short fugue to close out our morning.
