The cross on top of the bell
tower was taken down today; to be replaced by a new one soon. But the old cross
still has unfinished work; as it will be remade into the rosary that will be a center piece in the upcoming prayer vigil.
As I watched the cross being taken down today; I was reminded of a hymn from
my days attending worship in the United Church of Christ called Rejoice Ye Pure In Heart.
Though some of the language may be outdated (it was written in 1865), the spirit within those words holds so much meaning
for me today in so many ways. Not only is there symbolism in the mention of the
cross of Christ, but also the struggles of those “pure in heart,” not unlike St. James parishioners participating in this
vigil.
There are strong parallels to
the journey we are about to embark on; through mentions of life’s long path, still chanting, by night and day, lifting standards
high, but ultimately leading to rejoicing as incredible odds are overcome to achieve victory for Christ. I don’t think it is coincidental that this hymn was written in 1865, shortly after St. Mary Millersville
was established in 1859; and that the music that it is currently set to was written in 1883, just a few years before St. James
became a mission parish of St. Mary in 1889. The theology in this hymn shares
a history with the founding of these two parishes; and it is part of mysterious wonder of God that they should come full circle
like this today.
Though there is relevance in
all of the verses, these are the verses that resonate most in my heart now, as we look forward to the "golden day" when we
too can rejoice:
Rejoice ye pure in heart;
Rejoice,
give thanks, and sing;
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice,
Rejoice,
give thanks and sing.
Yes, on through life’s long
path,
Still chanting as ye go;
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.
Rejoice, rejoice,
Rejoice,
give thanks and sing.
Still lift your standard high,
Still
march in firm array,
As warriors through the darkness toil,
Till dawns the golden day.
Rejoice, rejoice,
Rejoice,
give thanks and sing.
At last the march shall end;
The
wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their heavenly home,
Jerusalem
the blessed.
Rejoice, rejoice,
Rejoice,
give thanks and sing.
Then on, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice,
give thanks and sing!
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice,
rejoice,
Rejoice, give thanks and sing
