Categories: uncategorized
Date: 22 March 2005 21:52:01
I braved the wild weather -- and it was rather wild in parts -- and set off to St Francis of Assisi, Paddington for their Liturgy of Tenebrae and Reconcilation. I sat with a friend from the Ship of Fools, and we enjoyed a drink at the pub afterwards. After the service I saw another friend from the same site. It was wonderful to see them both again.
It was a beautiful service. The visiting choir had voices direct from heaven. Seven candles were lit as O Christ, who are the Light and Day [Christe qui lux]" was sung. After each reading on the events leading up to the crucifixion a candle was extinguished, until only one candle, the Christ candle, was lit -- representing our sole hope in Christ.
After the reading of John 19, all those present stamped their feet to simulate the earthquake that occurred at Jesus' death. In near darkness it was very moving. The candle was removed from the church, and the homily given in near darkness. After the homily, the Song of Isaiah from Isaiah 55 was read antiphonally.
The rite of reconciliation followed, enabling us to examine and confess our sins. The Christ candle was returned. Private confession was available for those so inclined. The Lamentations of Jeremiah, sung by the visiting choir, were sung beautifully.
A very moving service: imagery speaks to me greatly. The diminishing light, the darkness, the stamping of the feet to simulate the earthquake: all these helped me enter into the Lenten experience more fully. Thanks be to God. I'll leave you with the hymn sung between the various readings:
| Lord Jesus, think on me, And purge away my sin; From earth bound passions set me free And make me pure within. | Lord Jesus, think on me By care and woe oppressed; let me your loving servant be, and taste your promised rest. |
| Lord Jesus, think on me, Amid the bitter strife; Through all my pain and misery Become by health and life. | Lord Jesus, think on me Nor let me go astray; Through darkness and perplexity Point the heavenly way. |
| Lord Jesus, think on me That when the trial is past, I may your radiant glory see, And share your joy at last. | |
| Synesius of Cyrene c. 375-430 | |