Sunday Music: Bach Cantata BWV 134
It is the third Sunday of Easter. The title of today’s cantata is “Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß” (A heart that knows its Jesus is living).
Today’s Gospel reading is another record of the appearance of Jesus among the living. Luke 24:36b-48:
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
The text of today’s cantata is available here. Number 4, a duet aria, contains these words:
the Savior appears and comforts us again
and through Himself strengthens the struggling Church
Number 5, a recitative, has these words:
May your Hand enclose us,
so that we behold your powerful potency,
which your death and victory has earned us,
and that now, through your Resurrection,
a person does not die, even when he dies in the world,
and that through this we enter into Your glory.
Whatever is in us exalts You, great God,
and praises Your mercy and love;
your Resurrection makes them new again,
your great victory makes us free from the enemy
and brings us to life;
Therefore let thanks and praise be given to You.
Happy listening!
[Cross-posted at RedState and The Jury Talks Back.]
Arrrrr . . . . the Ton Koopman recordings are just amazing. Thanks for posting —
Marc (586943) — 4/15/2018 @ 12:33 amThat passage from Luke is what we read in the Lutheran church today.
gp (0c542c) — 4/15/2018 @ 8:51 amYou always highlight that which is best in us in these posts. Beautiful words and music. I offer my humble gratitude.
Estarcatus (d19e9c) — 4/15/2018 @ 9:11 am“why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see” We studied doubting Thomas last week. I’m a STEM guy, a natural born skeptic and empiricist, so I feel like this was written to me.
Faith is so hard to come by, and Jesus asks so very much of us. Will I ever be able to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and set aside the things of this world? Could I ever keep God in top-of-mind at all times? I do want to understand, but I don’t deserve or seek salvation.
gp (0c542c) — 4/15/2018 @ 10:39 amgp:
Read Romans, and follow the instructions you find there, and follow them. Faith does not have to come as a thunderclap. We are only human, but He loves anyway. THAT is the miracle. Pray, just simply speak to God in your mind. He may work His majic quickly or overtime, but He answers prayers. I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Ask to see His path for you in this life.
Now, I can be pugnacious and obnoxious, but I am working on that. I am most definitely a horse’s ass at times. I was a wretch, desperate and seeking when God slapped me on the forehead, said “Hey, dummy, I’m real” and nothing has been quite the same since. You think *you* are unworthy? Oh no my friend, I was unworthy. But He showed me something. He will show you too.
I will include you in my prayers tonight. Peace, brother, for your salvation awaits. All you have to do is ask.
Estarcatus (d19e9c) — 4/15/2018 @ 2:57 pm