2 minute read
Hymns & Songs
Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
over we are reminded to do this through sermons, articles and even campaigns about showing acts of kindness. But what will it take for us to practice this mandate that Jesus has given us?
Through the song “Jesu, Jesu” we hear Tom Colvin’s exhortation. Colvin describes: how Jesus manifested his love and servanthood; who our neighbours are; and how we should embody the love of Jesus Christ.
The act of kneeling is emphasised and used to exemplify Jesus’ servanthood, which brings to light the disposition we should keep in following Jesus.
Kneeling signifies humility. It is a posture taken when praying to God. Abraham, Daniel, Isaiah, Peter, Paul and even Jesus Himself knelt to pray. We, too, kneel when we come to the altar rail for Holy Communion. It is not a comfortable position. That is why the altar rails have kneeling pads. If loving puts us on our knees, does that mean loving may also be uncomfortable? Definitely!
These are the subtexts of “Jesu, Jesu”. Soon we will be back in church, kneeling at the altar rail, communing with Jesus and the Body of Christ. Where will this kneeling lead us to? Jesus interacted with the outcast, the poor, the marginalised. He saw and loved them in the image of God our creator.
We carry judgment, prejudice—some are unfortunately common and acted upon. Can we change that? Will we see the way Jesus did? Will that perception then move our hearts to bend our knees to love and serve?
So much has changed for us today. We need this mandate—these reminders to help put ourselves in place. And if we want the love of God to prosper, I think it starts by loving our neighbour.
Jesu, Jesu
Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love
(UMH 432)
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you.
Kneels at the feet of his friends, silently washes their feet, Master who acts as a slave to them. Refrain
Neighbors are wealthy and poor, varied in color and race, neighbors are near us and far away. Refrain
These are the ones we should serve, these are the ones we should love, all these are neighbors to us and you. Refrain
Loving puts us on our knees, silently washing their feet, this is the way we should live with you. Refrain
WORDS: Tom Colvin, 1969
