“To be your presence is our mission here.” Oh yes, this is the mission of our congregation, of our larger church body, and of Christians throughout the world. It’s also a thoughtful and beautiful hymn.
Who is the composer of the meaningful words? Delores Dufner is an American sacred music composer. Born in 1939, she is a nun of the Order of Saint Benedict at Saint Benedict’s Monastery in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. She is also on the faculty of Saint Benedict’s College and Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. In 2017 she received the Christus Rex award from Valparaiso University.
The music to our lovely hymn is ENGELBERG, composed by Charles V. Stanford. Charles, born in Dublin in 1852, died in London in 1924.
The text reflects the message of 1 Corinthians 12:1-13, in which Paul speaks of the gifts of the Spirit. Brothers and sisters, we are all blessed with the gifts of the Spirit, yet each of us with our own kind. Whether it be wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy: all gifts are given for the common good.
“We are your heart, O Christ, your hands and voice.” Ponder and enjoy.
Judy
