The most beautiful harmony is when all the members of Christ
sing the same song as their Head;
the sweetest music is when our voices differ
but the intent is the same.
The Hebrew sings, the Greek sings,
the Sythian sings, the Thracian sings,
the Indian sings, the Frenchman sings,
the German sings, the Briton sings –
the whole world sings,
singing in harmony with Christ our Shepherd,
magnifying our Lord and exalting your name.
You are not made greater by human praise,
but your glory among humankind becomes greater.
You desire renown for your glory,
not because this adds anything to you,
but because we become better as we contemplate
your sublimity, your goodness and wisdom.
As we turn our mind’s eye to gaze
at the supreme good which is Yourself
everything the world admires and pursues
through good and evil becomes cheap and ordinary.
Desiderius Erasmus, 1467-1536, Dutch Renaissance humanist & Catholic priest
adapted from Reformation Commentary on Scripture Psalms 34
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I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
prayer & verse 