Unless a Grain of Wheat (AOV 1/35)

Another Bernadette Farrell tune that can be used when these readings come up and more generally. The refrain is quite lyrical and flowing while the verses are essentially in a different key and the jolt matches the hard medicine in John’s text.. Because the verses are challenging, my recollection is that we have used the refrain more as a response than the whole thing. You can hear an assembly sing it here.

It is available to purchase for download from OCP.

 Refrain

Unless a grain of wheat shall fall up-on the ground and die,

It remains but a single grain with no life.

Verses
1. If we have died with him, then we shall live with him;

if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.

 

2. If any one serves me, then they must follow me;

wherever I am, my servants will be.

 

3. Make your home in me as I make mine in you;

those who remain in me bear much fruit.

4. If you remain in me and my word lives in you;

then you will be my disciples.

5. Those who love me are loved by my Father;

we shall be with them and dwell in them.

6. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you;

peace which the world can-not give is my gift.

© Bernadette Farrell 1984.