Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Our Gospel reading for the day, John 12:44-50, includes Jesus’ statement:

‘I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.’ (vs. 46)

To this verse, we could apply a lovely parallel text, an evening hymn used commonly at Compline, Christe qui lux est dies. This hymn weaves the ideas of light and darkness, along with  their manifestations in the day and nighttime, into a prayer for strength and protection against all evil. The following translation is by William J. Copeland (1804-95):

1 O Christ, who art the light and day,
Thou drivest night and gloom away;
O Light of Light, whose Word doth show
The light of heav'n to us below.

2 All-holy Lord, in humble prayer
We ask tonight Thy watchful care.
O grant us calm repose in Thee,
A quiet night, from perils free.

3 Our sleep be pure from sinful stain;
Let not the tempter vantage gain
Or our unguarded flesh surprise
And make us guilty in Thine eyes.

4 Asleep though wearied eyes may be,
Still keep the heart awake to Thee;
Let Thy right hand outstretched above
Guard those who serve the Lord they love. A-men.

5 Behold, O God, our shield, and quell
The crafts and subtleties of hell;
Direct Thy servants in all good,
Who Thou hast purchased with Thy blood.

6 O Lord, remember us who bear
The burden of the flesh we wear;
Thou who dost e'er our souls defend,
Be with us even to the end.

7 All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore.
Amen.

There are several good settings of this evening hymn, but perhaps the most well known is by William Byrd (c. 1539-1623). This particular setting involves the plainchant melody, and four additional voices that move in parallel, a practice called fauxbourdon. As a result, the text sounds clearly through a rich sonic palette.

Yours in Christ,
Justin