Sunday 21st February, Sung Mass at 10.45am. Our Celebrant is Fr Nigel Mason, Hospice Chaplain, and Preacher is our Curate, Fr Christopher Durrant. Link to Sermon.

Music is the Plainsong Sarum Mass.

Owing to Half-term, it’s likely that this Sunday the Anthem will be the stirring “O Lord look down from Heaven” by Jonathan Battishill (1738-1801), one of the better 18th century English composers.

And last week, the beautiful little Motet “The Call” – words of George Herbert’s poem set by organist and composer Richard Lloyd.

‘The Call’

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life;
Such a Way as gives us breath,
Such a Truth as ends all strife,
Such a Life as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength;
Such a Light as shows a Feast,
Such a Feast as mends in length,
Such a Strength as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart;
Such a Joy as none can move,
Such a Love as none can part,
Such a Heart as joys in love.

George Herbert (3 April 1593 – 1 March 1633)

This short poem is simple and direct, composed almost entirely of words of one syllable. Allusions to the Bible and to the Church of England liturgy abound in Herbert’s poetry. In this short poem there are references to Revelations 22:26: ‘Come, Lord Jesus..’ and to John 14:6, where Jesus is described as ‘the way, the truth and the life’. ‘Come’ is the call of the poet to God, but also the response to a call from God.