One of my very favorite newer hymns in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal is the hymn, "What Is the World Like?" The combination of text and tune are wonderful, which is unsurprising given that they are by the celebrated hymn writing duo of Adam Tice (texts) and Sally Ann Morris (tunes). The first four stanzas of text begin with a question: What is the world like when God's will is done? And the text goes on to answer with images from the parables of Jesus. When God's will is done, the world is like mustard seeds that grow into big plants; wandering children that return home again; tending our lamps faithfully throughout the long, dark night. These parable images stack on top of one another as the stanzas progress, creating a larger image of an expansive world where God's love, justice, and peace are at the center of all life. The final stanza summarizes:
These are the stories that Jesus imparts,
filled with the Spirit who joins us as one.
Born through our voices, our hands, and our hearts,
this is a new world where God's will is done.
I love this hymn for its imagery and for how each phrase of the tune leads us through the questions and answers with grace and mystery. I especially love how Tice weaves all these parables together, which is not a way I have often encountered the parables of Jesus. When we view these images all together, the hymn text seems to argue, we can glimpse a clearer picture of the world as God desires it.
This summer, the Revised Common Lectionary leads us through a number of parables from the gospel according to Matthew. As we encounter these words of Jesus in worship, I wonder how we might be challenged to deepen our understanding of God's desires for the world. I wonder how we might see parable-like stories in our own everyday lives, moments of unexpected grace and justice that are hiding in plain sight. Throughout our July Sing For Joy programs, we will encounter many other hymns and choral anthems that expand our notions of God's will for the world. I wonder how those images will mingle with our own imaginations. May we all open our minds and hearts this July to the work of the Spirit all around us!
Peace be with you,
