Reflection by Revd Phil Gough, District Secretary for Ministry and Vocations
SONG – ‘Meekness and Majesty’ by Graham Kendrick (Singing the Faith 362)
This last Sunday, I shared in worship and preaching on the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain-top, with Peter, James and John watching on, when Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, and Jesus was transformed, his face dazzling white and his garments glowing. The inner group of disciples were treated to a mountain-top experience, and to hearing the voice of God – ‘This is my beloved son – listen to him.’
As Jesus and the disciples returned down the mountain, Jesus knew that before long now they would make his final journey to Jerusalem, with all that lay ahead for him, and consequently for us, and all the world.
Graham Kendrick’s lyrics marry together the humanity and divinity of Jesus, mysteriously and magnificently combined in him. These lyrics root Jesus in the experience of his journey of suffering to the cross and beyond, which is our journey of Lent.
The phrase ‘meekness and majesty’ has a history, it seems. ‘Majesty combined with meekness’ being used by Baptist minister John Ryland, in 1790, and ‘Lord of majesty and meekness’ penned by poet and hymnwriter Anne Ross Cousin.
This song focusses on Jesus’ humility, and as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday this week – the beginning of Lent – we are reminded of Jesus’ forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, facing temptation and testing, immediately following his baptism, and at the start of his preaching, teaching and healing ministry. Three short years which would end in his journey to Jerusalem, and all that we shall remember in a few week’s time, through Holy Week.
‘Wisdom unsearchable – God the invisible,
Love indestructible in frailty appears.
Lord of infinity, stooping so tenderly,
lifts our humanity to the heights of his throne.
O what a mystery, meekness and majesty;
bow down and worship, for this is our God.’
WONDER
I wonder which hymns and songs come to mind for you as we start this journey of Lent?
And I wonder which songs, old and new – and maybe which we may even write ourselves – will become ‘our story, our song’ (Methodist Presidential theme for this year, 2025/6)?
Finally, I wonder how you will mark this year’s Lenten journey towards Holy Week – how might we more intently ‘listen to him (Jesus)’?
PRAYER
(inspired by the story of the transfiguration, and drawn to these words, from another hymn, translated by Maurice F Bell in 1906, from a 6th century hymn written by Pope Gregory 1st (Gregory the Great). This hymn extols the virtue of marking a season of prayer and fasting.)
The glory of these forty days we celebrate with songs of praise,
for Christ, by whom all things were made, himself has fasted and has prayed.Alone and fasting, Moses saw the loving God who gave the law.
And to Elijah, fasting, came the steed and chariots of flame.So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lion’s might.
And John, the Saviour’s friend, became the herald of Messiah’s name.Then grant, O God, that we may, too, return in fast and prayer to you.
Our spirits strengthen with your grace, and give us joy to see your face.
for Christ, by whom all things were made, himself has fasted and has prayed.Alone and fasting, Moses saw the loving God who gave the law.
And to Elijah, fasting, came the steed and chariots of flame.So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lion’s might.
And John, the Saviour’s friend, became the herald of Messiah’s name.Then grant, O God, that we may, too, return in fast and prayer to you.
Our spirits strengthen with your grace, and give us joy to see your face.
O Father, Son, and Spirit blest, to you be every prayer addressed.
Who are in threefold name adored, from age to age the only Lord.
AMEN.