The Reading from Acts begins: “The community was of one heart and mind … ”

That description of the early church is astonishing, particularly in light of the fragmentation of the church today. For unfortunate generations, those who identify themselves as followers of Christ have seemed bent on pointing out why others, who call themselves Christians, are wrong on this dogma or that and should be cast into the outer darkness.

But we’re not in charge of sorting things out; God is. It behooves us to remember that fact with humility and grace, in order to serve our fellow Christians with the same joy and simplicity that Pope Francis is modeling for us.

One of the reasons “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” is such a terrific Easter song of praise is that it invites the whole church, living and dead, mortals and angels, apostles, martyrs—and friends—to sing “Alleluia!” again and again. The invigorating Lasst Uns Erfreuen tune, with its cascades of Alleluias, brings those who sing it a sense of being one in heart and mind with all who follow Christ, all who walk by faith and not by sight.

Interestingly, the text of “This Joyful Eastertide” (Vreuchten) contains no Alleluias at all—odd for an Easter song, one might think. But the melody of its refrain rises three times to affirm joyfully that “now is Christ arisen, arisen, arisen,” ending in another joyful cascade of sound. This hymn is well well-know that “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones,” but singing it week after week throughout the Easter season will establish it firmly in the community’s repertoire.

Happy Easter!

Get some rest now.