April 10, 2023

"O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing" | Second Sunday of Easter

14 minutes

ZACHARY'S NOTES:

Stanza 1 // Death is overcome and the grave is defeated wherever the good news of Christ is heard, whether in speech or in song. It is for all people - sons and daughters - who, knowing this good news, sing today with the hosts of heaven. The resurrection is our reason for singing.

Stanza 2 // The second stanza begins a two-stanza retelling of St. Matthew’s account of Easter morning. Even in seemingly mundane details [seeking Christ’s tomb at the break of day] the refrain interrupts our singing of the story and bursts forth with a shout of praise: “Alleluia!”

Stanza 3 // The appearance of an angel in white is first fear [and death] to those guarding the tomb. But, the angel’s message to the women is one of life. Christ has been raised, and goes ahead of his disciples to Galilee. Curiously, this stanza leaves out the angel’s announcement of resurrection and instead leaves us singing: “Your Lord will go to Galilee.” Even now, Christ always ‘goes ahead of us’ - whether in procession as we enter with singing, or especially in this season, ahead of us through the grave that we might know eternal life. Our response is the same as the women - one of joy! “Alleluia!”

Stanza 4 // Stanzas four through eight are specifically related to this weekend’s Gospel reading. The contrast is stanza four is between the apostles’ fear and the promise Christ walks through doors to bring: “Peace be with you.” No matter the fears we have locked away or keep us locked away from Christ, our Lord comes to bring His forgiveness.

Stanza 5 // At first, it might seem strange to rejoice in Thomas, who doubted the disciples’ news of resurrection. But, stanza five is in direct contrast to the stanza which follows. We do not place our hope simply in the testimony of another, but in the promise Christ offers.

Stanza 6 // Christ’s desire is that all people might believe in His name. Jesus’ offering bodily proof to the disciple gives way to rejoicing not because it is required for faith, but because of the result. Doubt is removed, and faith in Christ takes its place.

Stanza 7 // In the place of doubt, a confession of faith is given: “You are my Lord and God!” We rejoice today not simply that Thomas believed in the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, but that this same confession is made today - Christ is our Lord - that we might live under his mercy, and trust his promise in this life and through death.

Stanza 8 // As this stanza tells us, we are “blest” [or “blessed”] when we name Christ as Lord and God, not having seen all Thomas was given. The latter half of this stanza can sound like “constant” or unwavering, free-of-doubt faith, is necessary for salvation. But, the faith Christ gives is not measurable and God’s promise of life is stronger than all the questions and doubts we might encounter. This is what makes us blessed - that the life which once belonged only to God is now ours in Christ - and cannot be taken away.

Stanza 9 // Though we might see April 16 as a random Sunday, the hymn calls this day the “most holy day of days.” This day is set apart that fearful, doubting sinners might hear Christ’s promise of peace. Out of the many holy days celebrated - Sabbath, Passover, Feast of First Fruits, Day of Atonement, Feast of Booths - the news of Jesus’ resurrection is our reason for celebration as God’s people.

SUGGESTIONS: