sign in sign up
<<
Home , Temptation of Christ

Lives An Oratorio by Donald Walters Section One 1. CALL TO ACTION:

3 - Children of God

Children of God! Your time of trial has ended! See where the dawn irradiates the night: Soon all your tears will rise like dew to the sun: Sorrows will turn to joy; your griefs, to delight! Children, rejoice, for lo! the Kingdom of God Comes in full splendor: It needs but your sight!

4 - A New Tomorrow

(Inspired by the spirit of modern Israel)

When the dawn breaks, and then the morning Sends the sun high in the sky, Who would hide from heaven’s glory? Who would pass the challenge by? There’s a morning for every nation When the sun’s high in the sky: There’s a time for every people To affirm their destiny! Even so, all of us together Can create a better land! Leave the past: A new tomorrow Waits for all who understand. 2. INNER RESOLUTION:

5 – Psalm of

(Inspired at David’s tomb)

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from , Who made the heavens and the earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, He that keepeth Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out And thy coming in from this time forth— And even forevermore.

-121st Psalm

7 – The Wonders Man Carved

The wonders that man Did carve out of stone And wove out of music, Then called them his own, Did last a brief hour, As in Greece and in Rome: It was grace at last that did free us, When our souls sought love alone!

9 – In the Spirit

(Inspired by a visit to the island of Patmos, in Greece, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation)

I was caught up in ecstasy: ’Twas a day sanctified by God. There He showed me the truths of heaven, Truths which all, seeking Him, should know: How the soul, made to live in freedom, Can reclaim its eternal right; How the night, born of our delusions, Can be fired, blazing with His light.

- Rev. 1:9-19 & 2:7 3. THE COMPASSION OF DIVINE MOTHER:

10 - God is Truth, God is Love God is Truth; God is Love: Father, Mother, both are one. When our hearts cry out in pain, Mother, bring us peace again! Every mother brings to birth Hints of Thy love for all the earth.

11 – Mother of Wisdom

(Inspired at the Church of the Dormition, in , site of the Virgin Mary’s death.)

Mother of wisdom, mercy and grace, Grant us Thy vision, grant us Thy peace. Our love receive, though blindly we pray; Silently guide our thoughts when we stray. How many years, so proud of our wisdom, Turning from God, we’ve wandered alone! So many years we’ve boasted but madness! Now our souls call Thee: Make us Thy own.

12 – To Mary There Came

To Mary there came an of light Who announced the will of the Lord. Her purity blessed mankind with new life: Through Mary the light descended. O God of peace! O God of joy! May our souls find their freedom in Thee!

13 – The

“Hail thou that highly favoured, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou, Blessed art thou among women Blessed art thou.”

- :25-28 14 – The Light that Was Christ

The light that was Christ in darkness did shine. ’Twas the light that formed the heavens: ’Twas the light that shone in the blindest of hearts, Making clear at last the way to inner peace. To testify that Christ came from above, A messenger of God declared before, "Fear not, Zacharias, for your wife, though now old, Shall bear a son who’ll know wisdom’s ways." Lo! Zacharias and his wife, Their wisdom reaped through the years, Submitted to the will of God, And became soon thereafter the parents of John.

16 – Mary and Elizabeth Meet

When God so arranged that this mother to be, Elisabeth, wisest of souls, Did meet Virgin Mary, Saint John in her womb Did stir, for he recognized the Christ. Elisabeth then bowed, as she knew her babe’s intent, And sang out in love and great awe:

17 – Hail Mary

“Hail, Mary, full of grace, Hail, Mary full of grace, Blessed art thou, Blessed art thou among women, Blessed art thou, And bless’d is the fruit, And bless’d is the fruit of thy womb, .”

- Luke 1:39-42

Section Two 4. JESUS COMES:

18 – Shepherds, Awake When in Jesus was born, The did herald the news. To shepherds that slept upon a wintry field, They sang: “Awake in the lord!” 20 – Christ Has Come

(Inspired at the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem)

Jesus Christ is born this day! Hallelujah! Born to drive our night away! Hallelujah! Joy on the mountains! Joy in the valleys! Joy to the nations: Christ has come!

21 – Three Wise Men Then three wise men came from afar, Guided by the heavenly star. Christ, the light of God, had descended, That, receiving him, all might be saved. Thus, of God was maintained; Thus, all true souls were called to the light, That their darkness be lifted, that their hearts be made whole! When Mary’s babe smiled, he conveyed truth and grace. That their darkness be lifted, that their hearts be made whole! Then three wise men came from afar, Guided by a heavenly star. Christ, the light of God, had descended, Christ, the light of God, had come, That, receiving him, all might be saved. Three wise men came, guided by a star, To do honor and welcome the Christ born on earth. - :2-7

22 – Sing Out with Joy Sing out, sing out with joy! God’s light has descended. Sing out, sing out with joy! All our nights have ended.

Sing on every mountain, Oh, sing in every valley, Sing within your soul That you live in the Lord! Sing, sing, sing out with joy! God’s light has descended. Sing out, sing out with joy! All our nights have ended. Sing out all people, Sing to the Lord! Sing, sing out with joy, We live in the Lord! Sing on the mountains! Sing on the plains! Fill your heart with gladness, For Jesus has come! All you who labor, All you who sorrow, Know that the Savior Awaits but your love! Joy on every mountain, Joy in every valley, Joy has come to earth! Welcome Christ in your soul.

Joy in every meadow, Joy in every home! Joy will come to you Once you live in the Lord! Sing out, sing out with joy! God’s light has descended. Sing out, sing out with joy! All our nights have ended. 5. TIME FOR SPIRITUAL PRACTICES—SADHANA:

23 – Desert Solitude

John, renouncing all, Left his home. Wrapped in solitude, Far from men’s ways, Roaming across desert sands, Seeking God’s truth. Long years he spoke only with God, Til, silent of soul, Wisdom did fill the ache of his heart: Then he did see God alone. - :1

24 – To Jordan Came Jesus

To Jordan came Jesus to be baptized by John. When John did demur, Jesus said: "It is right that I come thus to honor God’s law For our Father wills it so." When he came from the river, a voice from above Did declare so all heard it, "Lo, this is My son!" 25 – This Is My Son

(Inspired at the site of Christ’s baptism)

This is My son, in whom I am well pleased. Naught of himself remains, Naught but the true light! Heed well his words. The way he shows is My way. All who would find the truth: walk where he leads.

- Matt. 3:13-17

26 – The Temptation of Christ Bass (): "Behold all the wonders God’s grace can bestow: If you but reclaim what you’ve given. Why not ask of God any wonder you crave? Worship me to satisfy all human needs. Dominion now over all this noble earth! All I ask of you is: Worship me!" Tenor (Jesus): "Get thee behind me," Jesus declared. "Satan, know you not our Father offers love in your stead. His gift of love to all is my only food; He is all I own. What does man need, but Him?" Alto: Then the darkness lifted, Love destroyed Satan’s power, Then at last the Savior could begin bringing all to God. Soprano: For he taught them in freedom, wanting naught in return. All he offered was perfect peace, perfect freedom of soul. Tenor: (Jesus) God is all I love: He is all there is! Wise is he who says, "I am wholly his!" Bass: (Satan) God is all I fear! Lo! my throne of pow’r, Shaken by His love, Was destroyed in that hour! Soprano, Alto: Throughout all the world a new spirit was born, Jesus brought to men’s hearts hope for those steeped in sin. 6. MINISTRY: 27 – His Mission Begins

To show that his care was for men everywhere, Jesus started his mission at a wedding nearby. When wine there was spent, to the servants he sent, And requested them the jars with water to fill. Then many jars full of water Were brought before him with care. He held his hand up in blessing, And the water turned to wine! 29 – Jesus Went to

Jesus went to Galilee, and gathered round his chosen few. There, together, filled with joy in God, They did sing with him, and worship the Lord. Their needs were very few, in their youth, in their joy, All they asked of God was freedom to love.

31 – The Few Were Soon Many

The few were soon many, great multitudes came, Drawn by the magnet of love. The brink men mistook for the banks of a stream Was revealed an ocean’s broad shore. Christ’s spirit embraced saints and sinners alike, And his words were sweet music people’s faith did restore.

32 - Lift Your Hearts (Inspired at )

Lift your hearts up to the Lord. Hallelujah! Spread the news that He is Joy. Hallelujah! Sing in the mountains, Sing in the meadows, Sing hallelujah: God is Joy! Lift your hearts up to the Lord. Hallelujah! Spread the news that He is Truth. Hallelujah! Sing in the mountains, Sing in the meadows, Sing hallelujah: God is Truth! Lift your hearts up to the Lord. Hallelujah! Spread the news that He is Love. Hallelujah! Sing in the mountains, Sing in the meadows, Sing hallelujah: God is Love!

Section Three 7. GOING DEEPER 33 – Blessed Are They (The ) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed, who thirst for righteousness, For they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,They shall be called the children of God. Blest, those reviled for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - :1.2 34 – He Who Clothes the Field

He, who clothes the field with lilies— He, who feeds the birds of the air— He, who floods the hills with sunshine— He, whose love all creatures share: Will He not clothe us? Will He not feed us? Are we not, like them, His own? Fill your chalice at His fountain; Know that you live not alone! Know that you live not alone! -Matt. 15: 32-37 8. JESUS WINS US BACK FROM DELUSION:

35 – To Souls That Were Fallen To souls that were fallen, he spoke of God’s love, And coaxed them with kindness to turn back again. “Forsake,” he said, “the fulfillments of earth, For the comfort they bring you lasts hardly an hour.”

36 – Living Water He who would slake his thirst Now, and forever, Let him not fill his cup Here, from this well. From living water, Sipped in the silence, In spirit and in truth Break ego’s spell. Though fallen deep in sin, By men abandoned, If, longing for His grace, Truth be your guide: He can redeem you From every evil. Friend, only think of Him; Walk by His side. -John 4:5-24

37 – The Joy of Redemption

The joy of redemption one sinner did learn. ’Twas Mary of Magdala Christ saved. Soul purity she gained By devotion and by faith. By repentance, she was pardoned in love.

38 – Song of

I am Thine, Thou art mine, Hand in hand forever! Loving Thee I live free, Dancing in Thy light. Naught that I was remains, Gone is the night! Now I rest, ever blessed, fed by Thy sight. I am Thine! Thou art mine! Hand in hand forever! Thine, Thine, am Thine, I am Thine forever! I am Thine, Thou art mine, Hand in hand forever! 9. ARREST AND CRUCIFIXION:

39 – Who Dreamed of the Tragedy?

Who dreamed of the tragedy soon to befall? Who dreamed that the Savior would perish through hate? , the multitude gathered in joy Strewed palm fronds before him at Jerusalem’s gate. How few in that music could detect the sad note Of approaching disaster human destiny wrote. Who dreamed of the tragedy soon to befall? Who dreamed that the Savior would perish through hate? Palm Sunday, the multitude did gather in joy Strewing palm fronds before him at Jerusalem’s gate. How few in that music could detect the sad note Of approaching disaster human destiny wrote.

40 – Palm Sunday

Sing out Hosanna to the son of David! Bless’d he that cometh in the name of God. Sing out Hosanna in the highest. Sing Hosanna to the Lord!

41 – The Sorrow of Jesus

The sorrow of Jesus was not for himself. He griev’d for God’s love, which, eternally giv’n, Is spurn’d by God’s children, lost in forests of pride.

43 – Let this Cup Pass from Me

(Inspired at the church of the Agony, Gethsemane)

Lord let this cup pass from me. Let my heart not know so much pain! Must the love Thou bear’st Thy children Ever suffer such disdain? Would that I might reveal Thy greatness! Nevertheless, Thy will be done. 44 – Thy Will Be Done

(Inspired by the )

Thy will, Thy will, thy will be done! All that I am is Thine, all that I am. Nothing of man endures, wonder or scorn. Birth, life and death are one: veils of Thy love. Thy will, Thy will, Thy will alone! All that I’ve done is Thine, all that I’ve done! - Matt. 10:38

45 – You Remain our Friend (Inspired at Golgotha)

When we need You, You descend, Seeking grieving hearts to mend. By hate unaffected, You remain our Friend. On a cross rejected, Doomed to meet a shameful end, Still, with love perfected, You remain our Friend. Long we feared to face Your love, Lest our emptiness it prove. Now at last our hearts we give You, Who remain our Friend. 10. ETERNAL LIFE:

46 – The Man that Was Jesus The man that was Jesus had shown his pure form. Upon a high mountain he stood, Transfigured, transfigured, Transfigured, transfigured in light, That his chosen might see that he was the Christ. Ah, hope of all hope! Ah, joy of all joy! Toward Thee we aspire, Who believe in Thy word.

47 – When Human Hopes toward Thee Aspire (Inspired on Mt. Tabor)

When human hopes toward Thee aspire, Dark woods of grief are set afire. Beyond all reach of earthly skill, Thy love alone our hearts can fill. Christ’s light that shone on earth from heaven Opened for us the inner door. To all who love the gift is given: Joy and freedom evermore! - Matt. 17:1-7

48 – Life Cannot Die Life cannot die! Only death can meet death! In Christ resurrected was the truth of Christ prov’d. In Christ resurrected was Christ’s truth prov’d.

49 – Christ Is Risen

(Inspired at the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem)

Christ is ris’n this Easter morn: Thus our lives to joy are born! He from death is ever free: In his life e’en so are we! Gone all our darkness, Vanished forever! In our souls Thy light we see. Gone our delusions, Clear now our vision: In Thy joy we live ever free!

50 – Thy Light within Us Shining

Thy light within us shining Has shown where freedom lies: From earthly walls confining To soar in Spirit’s skies. How oft, like sheep, we’ve strayed apart! Now, guided by Thy ray, In inner freedom of the heart Our night has turned to day!