Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free), meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included. A small selection of hymns which are still copyright may also be included, if they are particularly relevant.
Readings
First: Exodus 22:20-26 - The Lord tells Moses to instruct the people how to behave towards the stranger, the widow, the orphan, the poor - and that the Lord will listen to their cries.Psalm 17 - I love you Lord my strength / Long life to the Lord my stronghold.
Second: I Thessalonians 1:5-10 - Paul reflects that the people took to the gospel with the joy of the Holy Spirit, that the broke with idolatry and were converted to God and are now waiting for Jesus to come from heaven.
Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-40 - The Pharisees put Jesus to the test by asking about the greatest commandment - he answer "love the Lord your God ... and love your neighbour as yourself."
Themes
The commandment to love - empowered by the Holy Spirit. Doing God's will.Free-use artwork
See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.Free-use hymns
A New CommandmentBeloved Let us Love
Blest are the Pure in Heart
Come out of the Wilderness
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
Firmly I Believe and Truly
God is Love, His the Care
God is Love Let Heaven Adore Him
How Can I Keep from Singing
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Love Divine all Loves Excelling
Love the Lord Your God
Our God Is Love
Psalm 17 - Music for Mass setting
Take my Life and Let it Be
To do Your Will
Hymns which may still be copyright
And They'll Know we are Christians - ScholtesGod is Love - Rivers
It's far from my favorite, but "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love" seems a good fit.
ReplyDeleteAgree - far from my own favourite too, but a hymn that I sometimes select if it fits the skills and repertoire of our musicians for the week. I'll add it to the post when put in a "Hymns which may still be copyright" section in a couple of weeks.
DeleteMary
There are many a parishioner who asks for 'They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love'. It is an old favourite of many and it is easy to sing. :) Thank you for including it.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Personally I'd left it behind with the 1970s. But some contemporary artists eg Jars of Clay, have re-discovered and I've been surprise at how durable it has been.
Delete