A Lenten meditation and Easter reflection in music, lessons and prayer
On the evening of 31st March 2019, the Cross and Triumph of Christ took place at the Trinity College chapel with a wonderful rendition of sacred music, lesson and prayer.
As of the Gospel it is clear that Christ gave up his life for all humankind. In order to inculcate this message in the hearts of many this spectacular event is arranged to do so by means of music, word of God, and the lit up surroundings. Also, it is specifically designed to show forth this holy message, by displaying rugged crosses on the hill side beside the Holy Trinity Chapel, creating a perfect atmosphere for this evening of meditation.
The service commenced with Basil Harwood’s “Who is this a Man of Sorrows” being sung while the Choir and the Clergy processed from the West door.
The service included music pieces of Thomas Tallis’ “O Nata Lux De Lumine” (O Light born of Light) sung as the first unaccompanied piece.
J. S. Bach’s “O Sacred Head, sore wounded” a choir only piece sung after the Second lesson and another composition of J.S. Bach “Jesu, priceless treature” sung after the Third lesson.
Debarah Govener’s “Alas! and did my Saviour bleed” was sung after the Fourth lesson; Handel’s “Surely, Surely He hath borne our griefs” from the Messiah sung after Fifth lesson; William Byrd’s “Ave Verum Corpus” sung after the Sixth lesson and this specific music piece was conducted by the Principal, Mr Andrew Fowler-Watt upon choir’s invitation. Martin Shaw’s “With a voice of singing” was sung after the Seventh lesson.
The message in these compositions and the voices of the choir combined in proposing the main theme of the evening, the development of the loving purposes of god through the words of the holy bible.
To mark the end of this holy service in Christ, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus was sung by the choir as the final piece of the evening.
This evening is not intended to be a “performance” but an inspirational moment for Christian hearts to meditate on God’s incarnation through Christ.
The pattern and strength of the service derive from the Lessons and Meditations more than the music, where the main theme is the development of the loving purposes of God though the words of the bible. The center of the service is found by those who ‘go in heart and mind’ and who consent to follow where the story leads.
The congregation is led through words of Meditation and Prayers following relevant Lessons and Music, and the service is themed on inner search of self and solemn appreciation of God’s infinite grace to mankind.
Written by Dinil Jayasuriya
Following is a full recording of the service:
