Inspired and Inspiring Verses

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In the first week of Advent, we hear from the prophet Isaiah and his wonderful images of a renewed world. Each day another element in the great promise of God is revealed. He speaks of:

• peace (they shall beat their swords into ploughshares)
• unity (lion and lamb lie down together)
• an end to misery (the Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek)
• the end to oppression (he has brought low those who lived high up in the steep citadel)
• restoration of health (the Lord dresses the wound of his people).

Looking at the first reading for Tuesday of the second week of Advent (Isaiah 40: 1-11). It is hard to imagine a passage that has inspired more hymns and songs than this one.   

It begins with the words “comfort my people” addressed to a community in exile. This verse inspired part of Handel’s Messiah where he picks up on the opening words “Comfort ye my people” and leads into “Every valley shall be exalted”.  A way is being prepared so that the exile might come home.

The musical Godspell which is based on the gospel of St Matthew included a song “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” which echoes this passage from Isaiah. It looks forward to the deliverance of Israel by one who is sent by God.

The monks of Weston Priory have produced a hymn called “Go up to the Mountain” which picks up many of the themes found in this passage. It also connects with the reading, also from Isaiah, which is suggested for the feast of St. Columban which says, “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news”. This passage also calls for people to break out together in song for the Lord comforts his people. St Augustine says that to sing is to pray twice.  Hence the constant invitation in the scriptures for people to sing to the Lord.

This passage was also put to music by the St Louis Jesuits in their hymn” Like a shepherd”. It picks up various elements of this passage. It taps into the image of the Good Shepherd which is a constant theme in the Hebrew Scriptures beginning with Psalm 23 and finding echoes also in Jeremiah and Ezekiel as well as Isaiah. Jesus speaks of himself as the good shepherd who is willing to leave the 99 in the desert to search for the stray.  There is great rejoicing when the lost sheep is found and carried home in the arms of the shepherd. One can imagine that the rejoicing found voice in song.

The season of Christmas and the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke have also inspired many well known and loved Christmas hymns and songs.

So, in this time of Advent and Christmas may these songs and hymns, inspired by the scriptures, help to embed these stories deeper in our minds and hearts, enable us to ponder the great mysteries they contain and allow us to celebrate joyfully the one whose coming Isaiah promised in his inspired and inspiring verses.  

Fr Pat O'Shea lives and works in Aotearoa/New Zealand