Week of October 30, 2000
Nancy E.

Scripture Reading
Isaiah 65:24

"The Same Old Thing!"

Isn't it interesting how phrases can have entirely different meanings depending upon how they are spoken?

Typically, the one above is uttered as a negative -- a complaint. For Christians, however, the phrase has a wonderful, uplifting meaning. There are so many things in our religious life that are made valuable by the fact they can be counted on to remain constant. I would like to share one example for you from my recent travel experience in Europe.

My husband, Jack, and I spent 15 days -- on our own -- visiting "little known places" in Austria as well as two cities in Hungary. We speak no Hungarian and only a minimal amount of German. Most of the time, we were able to communicate by combining our limited language skills with the knowledge and abilities of the friendly citizens of these countries. There were times, however, when communication simply came to a halt due to our inability to understand the language and customs. These times were extremely frustrating and forced us to search for a common thread -- a word, phrase, custom, gesture -- that could lead to understanding.

One Sunday, we attended service at the Saint Martin Dom Kirche in Eisenstadt, Austria. The language of the service was, of course, German. So, here we were in a Catholic church attending a service where we had only a minimal fluency in the language. Could we really worship, or would this be one of those frustrating times when all our efforts needed to be spent in simply trying to understand what was going on?

Thanks to the liturgy of the church (i.e., "the same old thing") we soon felt right at home. In addition to the order of the service, we had music -- the international language. How comforting it was to share these common spiritual traditions while worshiping with our Austrian brothers and sisters in Christ.

Just like at Abiding Presence, the service began with the Einzug (prelude). The organist played Toccata in C Major, BWV 564.1, by J. S. Bach. The Eingangslied (opening hymn) was new to us. The bulletin contained the words for two verses of Was Gott tut, das ist wohigetan. Although not understanding every word, we were able to get the general "drift" and the tune was simple enough to let us sing along.

This was followed by the Kyrie and Gloria from the Paukenenmasse (Tympani Mass) of Joseph Haydn. Now we were really home free! That is, we were right in the midst of our "same old" service and hearing words familiar to us. That is, the choir sang the text in Latin. As we are choir members and familiar with the Latin text for the mass, we understood what the choir was singing about and could let Haydn's interpretation of these beautiful words speak to us.

Next came the scripture readings from the old and new testaments followed by congregational singing of the musical responses printed in the bulletin (Zwischengesang and Ruf). Immediately afterwards the Domchor (church choir) and the Domorchestra (church orchestra) continued with the Credo (creed) from the Haydn mass. The sermon followed and, as expected, this was the hardest part of the service for us. We were able to understand that the priest included words of appreciation for the inspiring message Haydn had created and a challenge for others to continue in his footsteps -- i.e., praising God as part of their occupation. The offering was collected during the congregational singing of verses three and four of the opening hymn. Prayers and petitions followed. We silently offered our own. The Haydn mass then concluded with the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and the Angus (Lamb of God).

The congregation then "passed the peace". The words spoken needed no translation; our English, their German, the shaking of hands, and the looking into each other's eyes resulted in pure communication at the highest level.

The Adagio, BWV 564.2, of J. S. Bach was played during Kommunion (communion). Continuous communion was the method used. So many participated that the organist needed to improvise after he completed the Bach. Prayers were again offered before the singing of the Danklied (closing hymn). It was the familiar Nun danket alle Gott, mit Herzen, Mund und Handen (Now thank we all our God with heart, and hands and voices). The Auszug (postlude) was J. S. Bach's Fugem BWV 564.3. Most people sat reverently and quietly to listen to the organist offer his final praise to God for this service.

Saint Martin's kirche (church) provided a beautiful service that gave special meaning for our Sunday morning worship.

Thank you, God, for giving us leaders who are wise enough to understand that tradition -- i.e., "the same old thing" -- helps to unite us in meaningful worship experiences. Teach us to find the elements of "the same old thing" in each "new" we experience. Lead us in our attempts to pass traditions to the next generation. Keep us always mindful that the best "same old thing" is your presence. Amen

Contributed by Nancy E.
Published Monday October 30, 2000
Week 49 of Liturgical Year B