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Emmanuel

The Summons


It's easy to gloss over the important questions in the Hymn "The Summons" written by John L. Bell & Graham Maule, and I must admit, I have many times. Who could blame me for being caught up in it's Scottish-inspired catchy and airy melody...However, today as the congregation was singing the hymn on the Feast of the Virgin Mary, and during a day in which we celebrated a baptism and renewed our baptismal vows, I was reflecting on the high bar Jesus sets for us, which is so beautifully laid out by the writer. By the time the 4th verse arrived, the honesty and poignancy struck me hard, and moved me to take this video of the last verse as a congregation we turn to "follow (Him) and never be the same."

Lyrics:

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown?

Will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?

Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?

Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around, through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.

In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.

Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.


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