I went to a free concert last night - Mozart's Requiem performed by the Vancouver Bach Choir. It was held at St. James' Anglican Church in the downtown eastside, and was very well done. As I was listening to it again today on CD and looking up the English translation (it's sung in Latin), I was struck by how full the church was, and how most of these people probably didn't know they were hearing prayers and praises to the One True God. Many of them would be music lovers, like myself, so would probably have read a translation at some point, but likely don't remember much of it (even I didn't, and I've not only sung it but studied it). Disguised by the Latin and presented with the excellence of Mozart's talent, they were not only content to hear it, but actually yearning for it.

Yearning to hear the gospel of Christ. Sadly, my heart doesn't confirm that - I think they were yearning to hear the music of Mozart. But perhaps someone will wonder when they go home what all that Latin mumbo-jumbo actually meant. And they'll look it up on the internet like I did, and read all about the coming judgment and the salvation and mercy of God.

And perhaps since they went to a church to hear the concert, they'll be less resistant to visiting a church again in search of God in a personal way. May it be so, and may they find faithful saints to continue the true testimony of Jesus.


(A requiem mass was written to be sung at a funeral - that may help explain much of the text....)

I. Introit: Requiem

Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them. You are praised, God, in Zion, and homage will be paid to You in Jerusalem. Hear my prayer, to You all flesh will come. Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them.

II. Kyrie

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

III. Sequence

1. Dies irae

Day of wrath, day of anger will dissolve the world in ashes, as foretold by David and the Sibyl. Great trembling there will be when the Judge descends from heaven to examine all things closely.

2. Tuba mirum

Death and nature will be astounded, when all creation rises again, to answer the judgement. A book will be brought forth, in which all will be written, by which the world will be judged.
When the judge takes his place, what is hidden will be revealed, nothing will remain unavenged.
What shall a wretch like me say? Who shall intercede for me, when the just ones need mercy?

3. Rex tremendae

King of tremendous majesty, who freely saves those worthy ones, save me, source of mercy.

4. Recordare

Remember, kind Jesus, my salvation caused your suffering; do not forsake me on that day.
Faint and weary you have sought me, redeemed me, suffering on the cross; may such great effort not be in vain. Righteous judge of vengeance, grant me the gift of absolution before the day of retribution. I moan as one who is guilty: owning my shame with a red face; suppliant before you, Lord. You, who absolved Mary, and listened to the thief, give me hope also.
My prayers are unworthy, but, good Lord, have mercy, and rescue me from eternal fire. Provide me a place among the sheep, and separate me from the goats, guiding me to Your right hand.

5. Confutatis

When the accused are confounded, and doomed to flames of woe, call me among the blessed.
I kneel with submissive heart, my contrition is like ashes, help me in my final condition.

6. Lacrimosa

That day of tears and mourning, when from the ashes shall arise, all humanity to be judged. Spare us by your mercy, Lord, gentle Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest. Amen.

IV. Offertory

I. Domine Jesu

Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, liberate the souls of the faithful, departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit. Deliver them from the lion's mouth, lest hell swallow them up, lest they fall into darkness. Let the standard-bearer, holy Michael, bring them into holy light. Which was promised to Abraham and his descendants.

2. Hostias

Sacrifices and prayers of praise, Lord, we offer to You. Receive them in behalf of those souls we commemorate today. And let them, Lord, pass from death to life, which was promised to Abraham and his descendants.

V. Agnus Dei

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,grant them eternal rest. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Grant them eternal rest. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest forever.

VI. Communion

Lux aeterna

Let eternal light shine on them, Lord, as with Your saints in eternity, because You are merciful. Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them, as with Your saints in eternity, because You are merciful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requiem_(Mozart)