Keer U net af - beurtzang naar psalm 69 = Turn Not Away - Antiphonal Song From Psalm 69, 1979 - 1981

Oosterhuis' text is from Psalm 69, which is an individual lamentation rooted in the despondency of returning from Exile to the shock of a once proud and beautiful city now standing in rubble. Once liberated from exile, the Nation realized it had a long way to go in regaining its former status in civil and temple affairs. Deep despondency had set in, the occasion for the the later writings of Isaiah to urge the Nation to get on with the task of rebuilding the city and sacred grounds of the Temple which housed the Invisible One among them on earth. I waited in waited in trust - for nought! Is this a statement or an implied question? On the surface, it betrays a defeatist mentality. But with the promise of Covenant, to return to in faithfulness to the One Who calls will ensure a successful outcome.

Huijbers' choice of Omnes Gentes is the Communion antiphon for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, formerly celebrated on the Sunday between the Circumcision (January 1) and the Epiphany (January 6). This is a reminder of the constant presence of the Deity among us, Jesus meaning Who saves. Huijbers also referred to Psalm 47 for Ascension Day, invoking all the nations to clap their hands with joy. The feast of the Holy Name resonates with the departure of the Risen and Ascended Jesus to reclaim his glory, but who never abandoned us to gaze forlornly into skies, instead remaining a living presence of mercy among us. Because of the resurrection, Jesus remains bonded within our human condition. We know that One Who is so far from is nevertheless so close to us, within our immediate grasp. And we may always hold fast to the vision of our cities bustling, with children and families whose dreams of peace will become a reality. Peace is the ability to confront the reality of a disordered world and to set about its healing. The One who saves is the One Who gives sense and purpose to our existence, here in this world and its continuum beyond. -- Tony Barr