We have the “Rejoice in the Lord alway” Epistle on this Sunday in the Use of Sarum, which might be a surprise to those who are used to the Roman rite. Which is right, Sarum or Rome? It needs a little study. St John the Baptist is the Vox clamantis in deserto – The voice of one crying in the wilderness. An English idiom for someone who expresses an idea or opinion that is not popular or that the individual is the sole person expressing that particular opinion with the suggestion that the opinion is then ignored. We need to be ourselves and not go with the crowd. Be bold, be original. Persevere with what you believe to be right.

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Mein Jesu, der du mich.

J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Nun freut euch, lieben Christus gmein, BWV 734a

Alec Rowley (1892-1958), Fantasia on Veni Emmanuel