The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON:
O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us,
for he is the Lord our God. (PSALM 95)
COMMUNION ANTIPHON:
Let them thank the Lord for his mercy, his wonders for the children of men, for he satisfies the thirsty soul, and the hungry he fills with good things. or
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled....
Each week I search the best of the internet for sacred choral music that aligns with the Weekend's scripture readings and post several selections on our website at Choral Music Worth Hearing.
This Sunday, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel speaks of Jesus' healing many, many, many people. So many that he becomes exhausted by it and steals away in the early dawn to pray and regain his strength.
There is a song I think of when I think of healing and it is There is a Balm in Gilead. I've included a beautiful choral version here for you to enjoy.
In addition, the Entrance antiphon pulls from Psalm 95 - O come, let us worship! Let us Sing!, Let us bow down before the Lord. (This, by the way, comprised the verses of the Responsorial Psalm last week.)
Any Latin text beginning with Venite! (Latin for Come!) is an excellent candidate for choral music linked to this passage. I've included one by Byrd, Venite Exultemus (In English, O come Let us Sing unto the Lord) at Choral Music Worth Hearing.
At minute1:37 the antiphon text "O come let us bow down in worship..." makes its appearance. Here Byrd has crafted the voices to be at their most exuberant, layered and polyphonic.
It is a tricky thing selecting music that will draw these many themes together.
Sometimes we get lucky and a song directly quotes the passage which seems most preeminent.
Other times we choose a song which reflects better the nature of the action - such as at Communion when we focus soley on eucharistic text to accompany the processional.
Often we might choose something that seems to "sum up" the entire feel of the liturgical message for the day and present it at Offertory for reflection.
Either way, know that for as many times you may read a scripture passage and something "new" jumps out at you, the same is true for us music ministers. We are struck by different things each week, and we do enjoy crafting a spiritual soundtrack by which you can pray each and every week.
Whether you sing along silently at home, or quietly behind your mask, your active and conscious participation in the liturgy is always on our minds.
Should you have any questions or concerns, or ideas on how we can further assist your musical participation, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Jen Runge
Director of Music Ministries, POTHE
...O Glorious Star of the Sea, preserve us from pestilence; hear us, O Lady, for Thy Son honours Thee by denying Thee nothing.