Patterico's Pontifications

12/15/2019

Sunday Music: Bach Cantata BWV 186

Filed under: Bach Cantatas,General,Music — Patterico @ 10:42 am



It is the third Sunday of Advent. Today’s Bach cantata is “Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht” (Do not be confounded, o soul):

Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 11:2-11:

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The text of today’s piece is available here. It contains these words:

My Savior lets Himself be seen
in His works of grace.
When He reveals Himself powerfully,
to instruct the weak spirit,
to nourish the weary body,
this satisfies body and soul.

Although it appears that He does not will it,
do not be afraid;
for when He is most with you,
He does not reveal it.
Let His word be sure to you,
and, although your heart says only No,
do not let yourself despair.

Happy listening! Soli Deo gloria.

[Cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.]

One Response to “Sunday Music: Bach Cantata BWV 186”

  1. Happy Sunday!

    Patterico (d0f333)


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