We sang from it as our closing hymn on Easter, and this Friday I am fortunate enough to attend Beethoven’s 9th Symphony being performed by the NC Symphony. To prepare and re-familiarize myself with Beethoven’s great composition, I have been listening to his 9th Symphony throughout the week. And just today as I have it on in the background while working, today I noticed something new.
The final Movement of Beethoven’s 9th begins in dramatic fashion, and then dies down to a hush. In near silence the melody that we know and love as the Ode to Joy then begins – softly, quietly, and almost imperceptibly. In Beethoven’s masterpiece, joy begins faintly. Only later does it build into a crescendo with full orchestra and a multitude of voices.
I think Beethoven is on to something about the joy of Easter. The Gospel writers all tell us of a muted joy among the first witnesses to the resurrection. In Matthew, the women left the tomb afraid yet filled with joy, and in Galilee some of the disciples doubted (28:8 & 16). In Mark’s initial ending, the women left trembling and bewildered and afraid (16:8). In Luke, Peter leaves the tomb wondering what had happened (24:12). In John, the disciples and Mary fail to understand (20:9 & 13-14). Jumping up and down ecstatic joy is not present on that first day of the week. The resurrection is too great a thing for that. For the early disciples, the joy of Easter took time to build into a crescendo.
The advantage we have over the first disciples of Jesus is we know the story, and we know how it is to end. We take for granted what they needed time to assimilate. But like them, the joy we have at Easter is muted. Christ is risen! We celebrate it again this year as we have in the past. And the joy we experience at Easter is muted by the realities of life – by doubt and discouragement, by difficulties and disappointments with ourselves, others, and God.
Yet Christ is risen indeed! And the joy which is muted by our presence in this world, that joy will build into a crescendo. What we have now is the faint stirring of soft strings, and of notes here and there coming together into a melody of joy. Now we see only puzzling reflections in a mirror, says Paul, then we shall see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), and “ No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The joyous crescendo is coming, and we will lift our voice joining every creature in heaven and earth singing “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).
Holy Week & Easter Thanks
What a meaningful week we have had at CTR! The Agape Meal on Maundy Thursday had an overflow crowd, and the event itself was a powerful reminder of the Last Supper. Our Good Friday services placed us at the foot of the cross. And I think this Easter celebration was the best we have had at CTR!
My thanks to all who helped organize, and all who participated in the events of last week. It all is pleasing to the Lord, and a great reflection on CTR!
See you Sunday!
-Bill
