What is the world to me? The Christian life is filled with trials and temptations from the world. Today’s ENTRANCE HYMN, “What is the World to Me” (730), encourages Christians to stand firm in the face of temptation and not be enticed by the world’s vain pleasures: wealth, wanton pride, and hallow fame. Based on 1 John 2.15-17, author Georg Pfefferkorn (1645-1732) points Christians to our true Treasure, Wealth, and Rock: Jesus.
For those who bear the battle’s strain, The crown of heavenly life obtain. The HYMN OF THE DAY, “‘Come, Follow Me’ the Savior Spake” (688) is written by Johann Scheffler (1624-1677). He studied medicine, and simultaneously became interested in mystic theology, especially writings of the Spaniard, John ad Angelus. In honor of Angelus and in tribute to his birthplace of Breslau, Silesia, he changed his name to Angelus Silesius. Though he was born to Lutheran parents, he eventually was ordained a Roman priest because of his interest in mysticism. Known as a poet, a number of his works were published in Lutheran hymnals. “Come, Follow Me,” has an emphasis on sanctification (the Christian life). He expresses how suffering and temptation are the crosses borne by Christians following Christ in the world.
The PRELUDE is a partita (multi-movement setting) of “Come Follow Me” by Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748). Walther was a contemporary and cousin of the famous J.S. Bach. Prolific in his own compositions, Walther also was the author of an exhaustive musical encyclopedia called Musicalisches Lexicon.
