Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry.  

In this episode, The Reverend Mark Birch talks about William Blake and the context in which he was writing to produce the well-known verses of Jerusalem.  

Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album recorded by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.    

In his Ascension Day sermon, Acting Minor Canon Ralph Godsall talks about the significance and importance of the day and the different truths it offers.

Ascension Day occurs forty days after Easter Day and it marks Christ’s Ascension into heaven. It is a celebration of the power and authority of the lordship of the risen Christ and the commissioning of his disciples to continue his work.

The Ascension is closely connected with the theme of mission and anticipates the birth of the worldwide Church.

The Dean speaks about those who died at Gallipoli and those who have died in conflict since whilst drawing upon ideas the Book of Revelation wants to offer us: We should be known not forgotten. We belong together not apart.

The Dean also tells a personal story about his Grandfather, who was saved by his bible and a cigarette case during the First World War.

ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey by allied forces on 25th April 1915. What followed was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

In Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day not only commemorates those first landings at Gallipoli, but also all Australians and New Zealanders who have given of themselves in the service of their countries and communities in the years since.

Westminster Abbey has been closely associated with ANZAC Day commemorations from the very beginning. Services of Commemoration and Thanksgiving continue to be held regularly at the Abbey.

On Easter Day, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us that Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ Resurrection, before reflecting upon what it means to be a Christian. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Beginning with the Gospel according to Matthew 27:57-66, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

On Good Friday, The Reverend Mark Birch focuses on the distinction between the cross and the crucifix, and how we remember Jesus’ death as a perversion of justice. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the Gospel according to John on Maundy Thursday, comparing the atmosphere in the city of Jerusalem to the words Jesus is sharing with his disciples. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Beginning with a reading from the Gospel according to Mark, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey discusses the sentiment of Palm Sunday in relation to the story and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

On the fifth Sunday of Lent, the pivot between Lent and Passiontide, The Reverend Mark Birch considers the significance of pivotal moments. The reflection begins with a reading of John 12:20-33. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Following a reading of John 3:14-21, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us of tales of snakes within the Bible and ponders the idea of temptation during Lent on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter