As I explained to Friends of the Lord at Wednesday's rehearsal, Reformation Sunday is kind of like the Fourth of July for Lutherans. Then they asked why there were no fireworks, and I had to quickly back up and start again. Instead of having BBQ and blowing off fireworks, we gather together not only as Lutherans, but as Christians, and sing A Mighty Fortress.
What a marvelous hymn that is! Despite being intrinsically tied to Lutherans, it is now contained in virtually every denominational hymnal. Since the ideals of the hymn have been embraced by Christians worldwide, does that change its meaning for us in the Lutheran church? Maybe the idea of celebrating the Reformation is an antiquated notion.
I believe there are misconceptions about the Reformation as it stands today. From the outside, it may seem like we are elevating ourselves (Lutherans) above other denominations. The Reformation was, and continues to be, a wonderful, beautiful gift, and we who celebrate it the most can certainly be held accountable to live it to the fullest in our minds, hearts, and souls.
Really, what did the Reformation do for us? It certainly created the protestant revolution, but I really believe that something would have come along eventually that would have done that very same thing anyway. The Reformation broke down a lot of barriers, most notably the barrier that was "clergically" placed between us and God. Luther created the Deutsche Messe in 1526 and his German Bible in 1534 (9 and 17 years after he wrote his 95 Theses), which brought the Word of God in the vernacular of the people. The Catholics didn't figure that until until Vatican II closed in 1965! Priests and other religious leaders were no longer simply the only vehicles for a lay person to experience God. God filled the room, through every prayer and through every chorale that was so joyfully sung by the German people.
Reformation Sunday is a wonderful Sunday of unity and togetherness for Lutheran congregations everywhere. Here at St. Paul's, we also celebrate the confirmations of 15 ninth graders this year. By reaffirming their baptisms and getting confirmed, they are further welcomed and joined in this sense of unity.
PRELUDE
A Mighty Fortress- Helmut Walcha
Helmut Walcha, who died in 1991, was permanently blinded at age 19 after a vaccination of smallpox. Despite the disability, he went on to become an outstanding organist and composer, even recording the complete works of J.S. Bach. His compositions included four volumes of chorale preludes, from where this arrangement of A Mighty Fortress comes from.
The tune is presented in three different ways. First, it is presented in canon between the highest voice and lowest voice in the organ. Meanwhile, there are fragments of the tune presented in the middle. Interestingly enough, the subject (A Mighty Fortress), is being imitated upon before it even appears.
OPENING HYMN
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
The words and music of this "Reformation National Anthem" were composed by Martin Luther circa 1528, with the words being a paraphrase of Psalm 46 (also the psalm of the day for today).
In the ELW, you may notice that there are two versions of this hymn. The one we usually sing is ELW 504, which is the isometric version created some time in the 19th century, due to the homophonic, 4-part harmony style of hymn singing that was beginning to take prominence thanks to the hymns and hymn tunes of Wesley, Watts, and others. Luther's original version is actually ELW 503, which we will sing at the 9:00 AM service. This "rhythmic" version was how it would have been sung from the 16th into the 18th century, in unison, usually unaccompanied, by the congregation.
HYMN OF THE DAY
How Firm A Foundation
As I have said in this blog in the past, How Firm A Foundation is a wonderful union of text and tune. The early American tune is well supported by an inspiring, wonderful statement of faith.
The first stanza sets the tone for what is to come in the rest of the hymn. The "firm foundation" is laid by our faith in the words of Jesus. Stanzas two and three have Jesus speaking directly to us, saying that he will strengthen and guide us through trials and troubles. Stanza four continues these words of Jesus, which brings life full circle, saying that even when we are grown and lived a full life, we will still be lambs in Jesus' flock.
OFFERING
A Living Sacrifice- Ralph Johnson (Friends of the Lord)
This text is actually the traditional Offertory text for Reformation Sunday. Hearing it sung in the voices of Friends of the Lord puts a very interesting spin on it. The text is as follows...
"I appeal to you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds, that you may prove what is the will of God."
It is indeed a very weighty text. FOTL and I have discussed it a lot, and we have both come to a deeper understanding. Musically, it is a very difficult challenge for them, but they have risen to the occasion of not only with the challenging melody, but also with singing for the organ for the first time with me.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Jesus Still Lead On (9:00 AM only)
Nikolaus Zinzendorf was a German religious and social reformer and bishop of the Moravian Church. Like Martin Luther, he was very in tune with his feelings and had a unique social skill of conversation and discussion.
Despite being celebrated in the ELCA on May 10th, this Zinzendorf hymn fits beautifully today. In many ways, confirmation is a start, or a continuation, of a wonderful journey where Jesus is our leader. Musically, the hymn is tied together with a continual "short-short-long-long" rhythm.
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word
This is likely Martin Luther's second most known hymn in the ELW. This is actually one of his earlier hymns, coming from the beginning years of the reformation. This hymn tells us that we don't need to rely on anything visual or kinesthetic, but rather that faith will provide for all of our needs. It calls for us to stand up against those who rely on things other than God alone for spiritual fulfillment. If materialistic needs and desires are left to rule the world, Martin Luther expresses here that any foundation of faith would crumble (...bring to naught all (God) has done). Instead, if we keep steadfast in the Word of God, he will lead us out of death to life.
Built On A Rock The Church Doth Stand (9:00 AM only)
This striking, powerful text was written by the great Danish hymn writer, Nikolai Grundtvig. He sets a rather apocalypic tone in the first stanza. Though the entire world is crumbling and falling around us, the cornerstone of the church stands tall, and calls the young and old souls of those distressed which long for life everlasting.
The three interior stanzas describe the church building itself, how it was not made solely by the hands of us, but rather crafted with the divine help of God. Stanza three has a reference to Matthew 18:30, "Where two or three will seek his face, he in their midst will show his grace."
In the final stanza (which we are singing as the closing hymn for worship), the bells are ringing at the start of worship, and people flock in droves to come hear the word of God. The hymn concludes with an allusion to John 14:27, "My peace I leave with you, Amen."
POSTLUDE
A Mighty Fortress- Charles Ore
My organ teacher John Ferguson describes this piece as a "gas." I thought it was a rather humorous description, so I went to seek it out for myself. I discovered it was out of print, but later managed to miraculously find it in a large stack of single organ pieces for sale. I quickly snatched it up and planned to play it this year for Reformation Sunday.
Rhythmically, it is very complex indeed, relying on syncopations and almost jazzy rhythms throughout. When the pedal enters, it oscillates between the lowest and highest notes on the pedal board, creating a fascinating rhythmic effect as the tune is presented.
The middle section consists of motor rhythm ostinatos in the hands while the pedal takes over the tune. After a short fanfare in the middle, the beginning section returns, this time with full organ, and it grows to a wonderful, fiery conclusion.
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