Tag: Psalm 85

Peace

Combining Psalm 85 and Mark 6:

The place where truth and kindness meet
and justice joins itself to peace,
where truth springs up and right rains down,
is in your body, pierced and crowned.

For you made the divided one;
all earth and heaven in you join.
In you, O Lord, our peace is made.
Help us in making peace today.

With walking stick and sandal-shod,
we go to seek the reign of God.
Our money will not pave the road,
so free our shoulders from that load.

O Shepherd, lead us on the way
and give us words to tell your praise.
Give us still more the grace of tears
to name our weaknesses and fears.

And give us mercy over all:
Forgive us as we fail and fall,
then lift us, ever lift us up
to drink again the saving cup.

You are the way; you are the road,
but we have still so far to go.
Help us to choose the better part
and draw yet closer to your heart

for there alone does justice meet
and kiss its sister, truest peace.
Lord, show us mercy once again,
and grant salvation's sweet Amen.

Justitia et pax – Brescia – Pinacoteca Tosio-Martinengo – 13-4-2002 By anonymous – Own work, Giovanni Dall’Orto, 13-4-2002, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=641316

Bring Us Back, Oh Savior

Based on Psalm 85, to the tune KING’S WESTON. (On a side note, why have I never heard the hymn tunes of Ralph Vaughan Williams at Mass?)

Bring us back, oh savior;
bring us to our land.
Give us back your favor;
your forgiveness grant.
If your calm your anger,
if you turn your hand,
oh Lord, if you raise us,
we can rise and stand.

Will you not restore us,
that we may rejoice?
Mercy lies before us:
help us in our choice!
Our own hearts implore us
now to seek your joys.
Oh, Lord working for us,
let us hear your voice.

Make of us your people;
let us be your own.
Righteous ways and peaceful
are your paths alone.
With our hearts made heedful
of the mercies shown,
oh Lord, let us meet you
on the way back home!
By James Tissot – https://thejewishmuseum.org/collection/26577-the-flight-of-the-prisoners Jacques Joseph Tissot, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8860276