On my long drive to Florida, as I often do I listened – and sang along with – a CD from the Community of Celebration (the musical arm of which was called “The Fisherfolk” decades ago). I serve as Bishop Visitor to this wonderful community of Christians now living in Aliquippa PA, incarnating God’s love and healing in a distressed, formerly “Rust Belt” neighborhood.
As so many of us remain deeply saddened, depressed if not angry, and nearly hopeless following Donald Trump’s election, his Cabinet selections, and his recent executive orders, it is all very well to resist, to demonstrate, and to begin planning for the next elections to bring some sanity back into our government.
But we also need words and music to help us lament. I was touched deeply once again by this modern interpretation of the ancient Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) by J. Page-Clark and sung by the Community of Celebration in their worship and on a number of albums and CDs. I wish I could sing the haunting melody for you over this medium. But these are the words:
Look around you; can you see. Times are troubled, people grieve. See the violence, feel the hardness. O my people, weep with me.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison
Walk among them; I’ll go with you. Reach out to them with my hands. Suffer with me and together, we will serve them, help them stand.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison
Forgive us, Father; hear our prayer. We would walk with you, anywhere. Through your suffering, with forgiveness, take your life into the world.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison
Join me in praying these words through your tears…
And mine.
That We All May Be One 
January 31, 2017 at 2:55 am |
Thank you +Christopher.. I was part of the community in England at the time Jodi wrote and first sang that song, and am grateful to be reminded of it. My wife Sherrell comes from Texas, and we have been living in New Zealand since 1984. The day Trump was elected was the day she decided finally to take out New Zealand citizenship.
Edward Prebble
January 31, 2017 at 2:58 am |
Sorry
Must have pressed the wrong buttons.
Eddwa is not quite correct!
January 31, 2017 at 9:12 am |
Wonderful to hear from you, Edward. Thanks for writing! Planning on spending some time with the Community this summer. Blessings and peace!