Sunday Music: Bach Cantata BWV 70
It is the first Sunday of Advent. The title of today’s Bach cantata is “Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!” (Watch! Pray! Pray! Watch!).
A new church year begins today, and we are now in Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Today’s Gospel reading is Luke 21:25-36:
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
The text of today’s piece is available here. It contains these words, telling followers of Christ that they need not fear the day of judgment, when the Son of Man comes in his great glory to judge the wicked and the righteous:
Be afraid, obdurate sinners!
A day dawns,
from which no one can hide:
it rushes upon you with stern judgment,
O! sinful race,
to your eternal sorrow.
Yet for you, chosen children of God,
it is the beginning of true joy.. . . .
Indeed the time is here
when God’s Son will come
in His great glory
to judge the wicked and the righteous.
Happy listening! Soli Deo gloria.
[Cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.]
I really appreciate these Sunday posts. Thanks, Patterico.
Mike (c9b649) — 12/2/2018 @ 4:03 amI’m glad you like them. I do too.
I listen to the morning’s cantata as I drive to and from church. Starts the day right.
Patterico (115b1f) — 12/2/2018 @ 8:24 amWhen do you know, that are in firmly walking in the lord?
Narciso (d1f714) — 12/2/2018 @ 11:24 amHappy new year (liturgical!
Q: Narciso (d1f714) — 12/2/2018 @ 11:24 am
A:When this happens: “And thy ears shall hear the word of one admonishing thee behind thy back: This is the way, walk ye in it: and go not aside neither to the right hand, nor to the left. Isaiah 30:21.
felipe (023cc9) — 12/2/2018 @ 1:44 pmome people have realized the sinister hidden meaning in a famous song.
http://www.newser.com/story/268059/radio-station-ices-out-baby-its-cold-outside.html
What’s more tgheiy;’re actuaklly right Not only is he trying to seduce her, he;s ready to give her the kind of drink Bill Cosby did.
Of course it was taken as a warning.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/12/19/baby-its-cold-outside-was-once-an-anthem-for-progressive-women-what-happened/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0ebf5a5e1437
Sammy Finkelman (102c75) — 12/3/2018 @ 2:39 pm