Category Archives: Ordinary Time

One Final Bach Cantata: For Christ the King (+ a sermon)

• • • Today on Christ the King Sunday (a day of the Church Year that was not commemorated in Bach’s time), we present a magnificent chorus from Cantata BWV 43, Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen (God has gone up with a shout), which was written for Ascension Sunday. Since the gospel message is “HowContinue reading “One Final Bach Cantata: For Christ the King (+ a sermon)”

Trinity 23: Cantata & Sermon of the Week

Cantata BWV 192, “Nun danket alle Gott” (Now Thank We All Our God) Now all thank God with heart, mouth and hands; He does great things for us and all our purposes; He for us from our mother’s womb and childish steps countless great good has done and still continues to do.   • •Continue reading “Trinity 23: Cantata & Sermon of the Week”

Trinity 22: Cantata & Sermon of the Week

(Click picture for larger image) • • • For Trinity 22 Today we hear from one of Bach’s “chamber cantatas,” BWV 89 — “Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim?” (How shall I give you up, Ephraim?). These required only about a dozen performers, and may have given Bach space at various times throughout the churchContinue reading “Trinity 22: Cantata & Sermon of the Week”

Sermon & Cantata of the Week: November 5, 2017 (All Saints)

(Click picture for larger image) • • • For All Saints Sunday Today, we hear a cantata admirably suited for this Sunday, on which many churches commemorate the faithful departed. Bach’s cantata BWV 26, “Ach wie Flüchtig, ach wie nichtig” (Ah, how fleeting, ah, how fading), takes its theme from the Gospel account of Jesus raisingContinue reading “Sermon & Cantata of the Week: November 5, 2017 (All Saints)”

19th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week

(Click on picture to see larger image) This article describes the metaphorical world Bach creates in today’s rich solo bass cantata, BWV 56, “Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen” (I will gladly carry the cross)”. Cantata 56 was written for the 19th Sunday after Trinity in 1726 (October 27 that year). The Gospel reading forContinue reading “19th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week”

18th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week

(Click on picture for larger image) Craig Smith comments on todays cantata, Gott soll allein mein Herze haben (God shall have my heart, BWV 169). After the first two cantata cycles in Leipzig, Bach became discouraged with the level of players and singers at his disposal. More and more frequently he wrote prominent parts in hisContinue reading “18th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week”

Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (conclusion)

Ordinary Time Bible Study Philippians: Friends in the Gospel Study Seventeen (conclusion): The Last Thing to Say to Friends • • • Philippians 4:10-23, JB Phillips NT It has been a great joy to me that after all this time you have shown such interest in my welfare. I don’t mean that you had forgotten me,Continue reading “Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (conclusion)”

17th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week

(Click on picture for larger image) Another wonderful cantata of praise is on today’s menu: BWV 148 – “Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens” (Bring to the Lord the honor due His name). Bring to the Lord the honor due His name Worship the Lord in holy splendor. (Ps. 29:2) Craig Smith describes the brilliantContinue reading “17th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week”

Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (16)

Ordinary Time Bible Study Philippians: Friends in the Gospel Study Sixteen: Friends Helping Friends • • • Philippians 4:2-9, JB Phillips NT Euodius and Syntyche I beg you by name to make up your differences as Christians should! And, my true fellow-worker help these women. They both worked hard with me for the Gospel, as didContinue reading “Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (16)”