As Eastern and Western Churches unite to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the same date in 2011, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Easter pick is John Fahey‘s inspiring instrumental version of the hymn In Christ There Is No East or West. Listen to the sound of melodious strings while contemplating lyrics that remind us that there is ‘no favored direction’ in Christ. All creation is one. The Resurrection is surely the first sign of that promise. (For further explanation of how Easter is calculated, click here to learn more about the significance of Jewish Passover, calendars, full moons (Sister Moon),etc.)
The beginning lyrics of this song resemble words used at the hour of St. Francis death: “From East and West they come, from North and South, …those helped by St. Francis’ patronage came to to attest to these things in witness to the truth…he has become in all things what he did not want to be in few things, and has exchanged time for eternity.” Francis, another Christ, as herald of the Great King “helps everyone, everywhere, and so is near to everyone, everywhere…” (reference Francis Early Documents, Volume I, Life of Celano III, p. 289)
About John
John Fahey is feared and revered around the world as a guitar player and composer. His inventions are acoustic and electric strings are stuff of legend. Thought to be the first to demonstrate the finger-picking techniques of traditional country and blues steel-string guitar in non-traditional musical ideas he began recording in Maryland. Since then he has served as a spiritual model for guitarists. John Fahey has been called a musical visionary and considered a giant of 20th Century American Music.
Lyrics:
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity pick John Fahey's 'In Christ There Is No East or West' for Franciscanized World's Easter song.
In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
In Him shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord,
Close binding humankind.
Join hands, then, members of the faith,
Whatever your race may be!
Who serves my Father as His child
Is surely kin to me.
In Christ now meet both East and West,
In Him meet North and South;
All Christly souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.
