St. Mary of the Hill Parish

Thoughts on God Whose Purpose Is to Kindle 

When I was introduced to the text of this hymn at a National Pastoral Musicians’ Composers’ Workshop, I was struck by its power and relevance—perhaps even more so, today, then it was when I first set it to music.  It was first published by Trinity Music and then acquired by Oregon Catholic Press, where it is still available.

GOD WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO KINDLE by David Trueblood

God, whose purpose is to kindle, now ignite us with your fire; 

While the earth awaits your burning, with your passion us inspire. 

REFRAIN 

Teach us courage as we struggle with all liberating strife 

Lift the smallness of our vision by your own abundant life. 

Overcome our sinful calmness, stir us with your saving name; 

Baptize with your fiery spirit, Crown our lives with tongues of flame. [Refrain.] 

God who in your holy gospel will that all should truly live, 

Make us sense our share of failure, our indifference forgive. [Refrain.]

Richard Smith

Thoughts on Psalm 116 

As we read the Acts of the Apostles during the Easter season, this time has always caused me to reflect on Christ’s resurrection and how different life after death is.  My setting of this psalm is both joyous and full of mystery. We will soon celebrate the Ascension but should remember that we are not alone.

Richard Smith

Thoughts on Glory and Praise 

Glory and Praise to our God by Dan Schutte was one of the first hymns I heard by the St. Louis Jesuits that made me interested in contemporary church music.  Their melodic gifts combined with scripturally relevant texts drew me back into the prayer I had fallen away from. I actually wanted to go to church on Sunday because I wanted to join in singing the music.  This Easter reflection for piano and organ is both triumphant and subdued.  I hope that it causes you to reflect on the blessings we have to be so thankful for.

Richard Smith

Thoughts on Children of God (May the Spirit Come Down) 

In 2019, one of the priests I had worked with in the past encouraged me to enter a hymn-writing competition that was being held by the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia to celebrate their bicentennial.  The text had to be based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 2:1-17. I discussed the choice of the text with Fr. Bonaventure and made a recording in the parish center with old friends from the past as well as new friends from St. Mary’s.  Although the hymn I submitted did not win the competition, it did make the final round.  I dedicated it to the people of St. Mary of the Hill parish. 

Richard Smith

Thoughts on I Rejoiced 

The words to I Rejoiced are based on Psalm 122.  How can we not help but be joyful and thankful every day for all the blessings God has given and continues to give us.  In this setting, I tried to express this joy musically by making it almost dance-like.

Richard Smith

Thoughts on The Wonder of God’s Love 

It’s quite a few years ago now that I wrote this Easter song, celebrating Christ’s resurrection.  I thought it was an appropriate reflection for all of us during this Easter season: Celebrate the meaning, celebrate the mystery, celebrate the wonder of God’s love. Too often we get bogged down in the here and now and forget what is more important: Every day we should give thanks and praise the Lord. 

Richard Smith