As The Darkness Of Death
Surrounds Us
(Audio Sample - 972 KB)
Vigil song for a Funeral and for Holy Thursday
As the darkness of death surrounds us,
in our sorrow, the night draws near.
In our sadness, we look for comfort,
is there light to dispel our fear?
For this life which has passed before us,
and the mem'ries which now remain,
it is good that we make thanksgiving,
as we long for the light again.
Take your rest, you who lie before us,
as the earth slumbers in the night;
but when daybreak sends out its greeting,
we shall dance in the robe of light.
Who has promised to be among us,
who is hope for the poor who cry?
Who is strength in the pain of darkness,
who is light which shall never die?
As the evening gives way to darkness,
in the silence, a voice is heard:
Who is light, who is peace around us?
May our future be in that word?
A Reflection on Ephesians 5:14
Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live then as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness.
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible.
And remember what is said,
"Awake, you who sleep,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will be the light in your darkness.
Composer's Reflection
When the Assembly gathers for the night watch liturgy to pay homage to one who has died, we first observe a time-honored tradition of kindling the evening candle, to banish the darkness. This symbol reminds us that the Risen Christ, our Light, is present among us, who keep watch for that moment of his return. On that day he will gather to himself all who have remained faithful to his memory. We gather at sunset, as did the Church of the Apostles, to keep memory of one who has died, and to celebrate our hope that we shall share the new dawn with Christ in the company of all of our brothers and sisters who have died and have gone before us.
On Holy Thursday, we may sing this song, perhaps after communion, to express both our grief and our hope. After supper with his disciples, the Lord went to the garden to pray for the strength to continue his journey on his own. He would soon be taken away from us, subjected to trial, humiliation and violence, and then put to death. But within three days, as we know, all would change - for ever. And for this, our sadness must give way to joy.