The Fifth Sunday of Lent
Dear Beloved of Christ:
Our Hymn this Sunday: “Now Let Us All With One Accord.”
This hymn was written by Gregory the Great (540-604 A.D.) who was popularly known in his day as the “Father of Christian Worship,” for his work with the liturgy to make it Christ-centered. St Gregory was recognized for his scholarship as one of the Doctors of the Church and his hymnody remembered to this day, which includes the tone setting for Gregorian Chants and other music. This particular hymn calls for God’s help in our temptation and redemption. It’s a traditional selection for Lent just as the ashes on Ash Wednesday; the lyrics reminding us that, when we are anxious and feel separated, we can still turn to God for strength for the journey.
The tune, “Bourbon,” is attributed to Freeman Lewis (1780-1859), a surveyor and schoolteacher who played the organ for a Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and who composed hymns and music, many gathered in the book ‘The Beauties of Harmony’.
Lenten blessings upon blessings,
Father Eric