We gather together once again this weekend, to praise God in our community, singing “In the Day of the Lord” (M.D. Ridge, ©1992, OCP): “In the day of the Lord, the sun will shine like the dawn of eternal day. All creation will rise to dance and sing the glory of the Lord.” We praise our God as we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ as we approach the end of our liturgical year.
Our first reading is from the Book of Wisdom and is worth reflecting on this week as you rise each day: “Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her…and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care;…because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with solicitude.” This weekend we also hear the familiar story about the virgins awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom - some had enough oil and some did not; some were allowed into the feast, others were locked out. “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
These themes of waiting for wisdom and seeking her, and wait-ing for the Bridegroom to come to take us into the feast, are
sung about in our Communion song, “Christ, Be our Light” (Bernadette Farrell, ©1993, 2011, OCP). “Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you…Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us.“ Our other song during Communion, “Shepherd Me, O God” (Marty Haugen, ©1986, 1987, GIA Publications), pulls on the text from the Communion Antiphon, Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.
Our closing song is “Soon and Very Soon” by Andraé Crouch (©1976, Bud John Songs, Inc/Crouch Music) It is written in the style of an African American spiritual with a repetitive melody and syncopations common to that style. This song once again focuses our attention on the end of time and the Second Coming of Christ.
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see our King!