376. Proper 27 (Series A)

The lessons for the Sunday between Nov. 6 and 12 are Amos 5:18-24, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Matthew 25:1-13 (the wise and foolish virgins). Mind you, I've done a 10 virgins hymn, when I was writing to the historic one-year lectionary. The tune this time is RUSTINGTON by C. Hubert H. Parry (†1918), which LBW and ELW paired with "God, whose giving knows no ending" and LSB with "In the shattered bliss of Eden." Amazingly, the music is in public domain!

Saints, when sorrow you are feeling,
Weep; for good indeed is grief,
No impediment to healing
When united with belief.
Yet mourn not like some, despairing;
For in Christ your brethren sleep,
Soon returning with Him, bearing
News to make the low heart leap.

Oh, to see that Day—none younger!
—When those sleeping and awake,
All at once, of pain and hunger,
Sin and grief, their leave will take!
Christ will come with shout victorious,
Hailed by mighty trumpet's voice;
All will join in pageant glorious
And with Him will e'er rejoice.

Until then, be sober, waking,
Sooner full of cheer than gloom;
Hopeful, yet not lightly taking
That dread day of coming doom:
Like the five wise virgins, showing
Light against the night so deep;
Ever ready, patient, knowing
Christ His marriage tryst will keep.