SBH #569, "Come, Ye Disconsolate"
Devotion
Years ago, music artists Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway recorded a beautiful Gospel version of this hymn. Sadly, however, not long after singing the words, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal," Donny Hathaway took his own life.
I wonder at the juxtaposition of the song’s inspirational words with the sad news of the singer’s death. Similarly, I marvel at the juxtaposition of the disciples’ sorrowful demeanor and the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Hiding behind locked doors in fear, the upper room crowd is suddenly confronted by the Christ who can no longer be contained by earthly barriers or burdens.
Still, his word of "Peace" to the disciples is the same to you, me and all who experience the sadness of sorrow. It calls to mind Jesus’ welcoming words that form the basis of this hymn, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Prayer
O Creative and Comforting Spirit, we give you thanks for the good news of resurrection. We implore you to break through our barriers, bear our burdens and bring to us your blessings in the name of Christ our savior. Amen.