New music telling the ancient story can bring that story alive in our own time. This week’s liturgy offers three new congregational hymns that are part of the Lenten/Holy Week story. And for the choir, consider John Bell’s “Why did you ignore me?” with words based on the Good Friday reproaches. Stretching a little farther, try U2’s “MLK,” with the haunting words: Sleep, sleep tonight. And may your dreams be realized.
In the brilliant sunshine, in the city street,
Hear the bright hosannas, hear the marching feet;
Look at Jesus; hear the story;
Probe the purpose of his life;
See the struggle and the glory,
All the conflict, all the strife.
We need a cross to sign the truth
That pain is part of life,
For joys and sorrows intertwine
And growth evolves through strife.
