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The center of the Traditional Anglican Communion; adhering to the Holy Bible (KJV) in all matters of Faith and Doctrine, a strict reliance on the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion, The two Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, the Two Creeds, and the Homilies and formularies of the Reformation Church of England.

Verse of the Day

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

 SHEPHERD OF SOULS, REFRESH AND BLESS; a hymn for Quinquagesima Sunday, 25 February 2025 Anno Domini, the Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide



 

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:10

 

            This is yet another hymn with both lyrics and music that combine to create an atmosphere of reverence and dignity. The author of the lyrics is James Montgomery (1771-1854) – a Scottish cleric. The tune, St. Agnes,  is the composition of John B. Dykes (10 March 1823 – 22 January 1876) and was written for the hymn, Jesus the very thought of Thee. The name Dykes chose for this tune is worthy of mention. He named it for St. Agnes, a young Roman Christian girl who, according to St. Ambrose, was martyred in 304 at the age of 13 years of age for refusing to yield to the immoral approaches of young noblemen who reported her as a Christian. She was led naked from her home to a brothel. The magistrate ordered her burned; however, the flames parted without touching her body. A Roman guard then beheaded her with his sword. Such was the courage of many Christians during those terrifying and troubling times.

 

SHEPHERD OF SOULS, REFRESH AND BLESS

1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
Your chosen pilgrim flock
With manna in the wilderness,
With water from the rock.

 

2 We would not live by bread alone,
But by your word of grace,
In strength of which we travel on
To our abiding place.

 

3 Be known to us in breaking bread,
But do not then depart;
Savior, abide with us, and spread
Your table in our heart.

 

4 Lord, sup with us in love divine;
Your body and your blood,
That living bread, that heav'nly wine,
Be our immortal food.

 

1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless Your chosen pilgrim flock With manna in the wilderness, With water from the rock. Christ is the shepherd and Bishop of our souls. He has shepherded His sheep beside the still waters and fed them in green pastures. He has even laid down His precious life for the lambs whom the Father has placed in His hand. He has fed us abundantly in wilderness sands and watered us with the Fountain of the Waters of Life. Unlike the manna that God sent down to His people in the wilderness journey, Christ is the Bread and Manna that literally came down from Heaven to feed all who partake freely. We are in this world, but not of this world. We are as pilgrims seeking a city, and that is the City of God.

2 We would not live by bread alone, But by your word of grace, In strength of which we travel on To our abiding place. We feed upon the grasses and knolls of God on the Bread of Heaven; and that Bread is every Word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is that Word Incarnate! His Word is all of grace, and grace is freely granted to the elect of God – His sheep. Our true home is not of this world but of the heights of the Celestial City. Our spiritual nourishment is His daily word and, in the strength, and grace of that Word we are made to run and not grow weary.

3 Be known to us in breaking bread, But do not then depart; Savior, abide with us, and spread Your table in our heart. His elect gather to feed at His Communion Table which is right and proper for all families to dine together. In the elements of Bread and Wine we recognize His spiritual presence always abiding with and among us. He abides in the hearts of His chosen and never leaves nor forsakes. His Temple is in the chambers of our hearts from which His love rules our ways.

4 Lord, sup with us in love divine; Your body and your blood, That living bread, that heav'nly wine, Be our immortal food. This stanza reminds us of the two on the Road to Emmaus who walked unknowingly with Christ who revealed all the Law and Prophets concerning Himself; yet His identity was still hidden from them until, at their insistence, He abode at their home and broke bread. When our Lord handed the Bread to the two men, immediately, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. He may come to us in the same way. In our hours of great sorrow and despondency, He walks right beside us even if we may not recognize His presence. At the end of our sorrows, He makes His face to shine upon us and makes us glad.

 

 

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