Strangely Warmed

The United Methodist Book of Worship contains an order for the Easter Vigil, a beautiful and moving liturgy that dates back to Christian antiquity. The service, which takes 2 - 3 hours to complete, begins outside with the kindling of a fire, from which the Pascal Candle is lit. The congregation processes inside by candlelight for the opening liturgy and the reading of the Old Testament story of creation and redemption. The readings are interspersed with prayers and psalms (or hymns). Permit me to recommend highly the responsorial chanting of the psalms. Be a monk for a few hours. The chants echoing in the darkness are a taste of heaven. It feels as if one is actually a participant in the great divine drama. The liturgy of the word concludes with readings from the New Testament and a sermon. The service then moves to the sacrament Holy Baptism and a renewal of baptismal vows by the entire congregation. The service concludes with a celebration of Holy Communion and the normal ...

Hail to the Lord’s anointed, great David’s greater Son! Hail in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free; To take away transgression and rule in equity. He comes in succor speedy to those who suffer wrong; To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong; To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light, Whose souls, condemned and dying, were precious in His sight. By such shall He be fearèd while sun and moon endure; Beloved, obeyed, reverèd; for He shall judge the poor Through changing generations, with justice, mercy, truth, While stars maintain their stations, or moons renew their youth. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in His path to birth. Before Him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go, And righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow. Kings shall fall down before Him, and gold and incense bring; All nations shall a...

In an appendix to John Wesley's journal , Elizabeth Richie provides an eyewitness account of Wesley's last hours, from February 24 to March 2, 1791. Wesley was then 87 years old. It is often repeated that Wesley's last words were, "The best of all, God is with us." Not so, according to the witness. His last word was, "Farewell." Sandwiched between these exclamations were a number of others. The witness describes what Mr. Wesley said AFTER twice repeating "The best of all, God is with us." Pausing a little, he cried, "The clouds drop fatness!"  What in the world? Was poor Mr. Wesley was experiencing dementia? Was he in a state of delirium? It turns out Wesley wasn't hallucinating; he was singing. Or at least he was reciting words that he had recited monthly for most of his life. Wesley was quoting Psalm 65:12 as it was written in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer he used as a priest in the Church of England. Psalm 65 is appo...

O Living Bread from heaven, How well you feed your guest! The gifts that you have given Have filled my heart with rest. Oh, wondrous food of blessing, Oh, cup that heals our woes! My heart, this gift possessing, With praises overflows. My Lord, you here have led me Within your holiest place And here yourself have fed me With treasures of your grace; For you have freely given What earth could never buy, The bread of life from heaven, That now I shall not die. You gave me all I wanted; This food can death destroy. And you have freely granted The cup of endless joy. My Lord, I do not merit The favor you have shown, And all my soul and spirit Bow down before your throne. Lord, grant me then, thus strengthened With heavenly food, while here My course on earth is lengthened, To serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit To leave this world below, I enter, through your merit, Where joys unmingled flow. Original German text, Johann von Rist, 1651 Translation, Catherine Winkworth, 1...