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The Gospel readings for last Sunday and next (namely John 6:51, which is read on both Sundays) bring to mind a particular line of music. At least they do for me. And perhaps they do for many of us who have been at Lake Delaware Boys' Camp in upstate New York.

Lake Delaware Boys' Camp (LDBC) is a remarkable place. Every morning before breakfast, the entire camp community gathers in the Chapel for Holy Eucharist. On Sundays, all would return for Evensong and Benediction in the afternoon. And one of the pieces of music used at Benediction was a little Mode 1 chant for the words "I am the living bread which came down from heaven" (John 6:51).

Because it was a regular part of daily life, everyone knew about chapel, and it was talked about throughout the day. Because it was only a part of weekly life, Evensong and Benediction held special place in the LDBC imagination. The regular music and chants of this service were extra special.

How special? Well, it wasn't surprising to hear "I am the bread of life" sung at any time and at any place. Maybe someone would remember it while walking to the swimming pool. Or on the soccer field. Maybe it was someone in the camp choir singing it, but maybe not. It was just another part of camp life.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.

It clearly sank in with me too, because, having been away from the camp for more than a decade, I can remember the music clearly.

The source appears to be an antiphon for the Magnificat. Here it is from a Dominican source:

The Rev. G. H. Palmer adapted it to English in his Antiphons Upon the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from the Salisbury Antiphoner, where it is sung on the Wednesday after Pentecost. And his rendering of the first phrase, at least, matches the one sung at LDBC.

Even though this is a highly particular instance, it's worth noting how scripture, music, and the liturgy work together to deeply ingrain sacred texts in the hearts and minds of a community. It can shape and transform that community and its members even as they go forth into the world.

Labels: church music, Evensong, Gregorian chant, LDBC, Proper 14B, Proper 15B