Good morning, Genesis! In lieu of corporate musical worship this morning, I offer a musical meditation for you.
Here is a link to a recording of a beautiful choral motet, “Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine” composed by Pawel Lukaszewski. The Latin text for this anthem originates from the Catholic liturgy traditionally observed on Good Friday, and is appropriate for the lenten season in which we find ourselves today. The title translates to “We adore Thy Cross, O Lord.”
Though it’s easy to listen and enjoy the music for the sound alone, I invite you to listen to this piece while reading the text/translation below.
Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XvQF8vMDcI
*Beware of the applause at the end – it may take you by surprise if you are listening at a high volume.*
Lyrics: Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine
et sanctum resurrectionem tuam laudamus, et glorificamus ecce enim propter lignum venit gaudium in universo mundo.
Translation: We adore Thy Cross, O Lord
and Thy holy Resurrection, we praise and glorify for behold by the wood of the Cross joy has come into the whole world.
When I listen to this piece, I hear waves. Waves of rich color. Waves that insistently climb in assurance, then gracefully fall in quiet submission. Waves that ebb and flow in unpredictable patterns, yet somehow sound organic.
I hear waves that perfectly reflect authentic adoration of the cross. Our worship never feels like a straight line. It feels like being carried by a wave that takes us up, down, and sideways. I invite you to listen to this piece and try to hear these waves, noticing how they express the words. How they reflect the journey of following Christ.
It is my prayer that this music affects you in the same way it does me. It leaves me feeling that these words could never be spoken in a way that does their meaning as much justice.
I pray these waves of sound may serve as a beautiful reminder: “by the wood of the cross, joy has come into the whole world.” Our current situation is ever-changing and challenging. Let us take joy in our ability to worship, which always remains.
As your church, O Lord, we adore you. We glorify you. For behold, by the wood of the cross joy has come into the whole world.
As best you can, I pray that you can find a time to center yourself and feel the hope of God through this music today.
– Kerby