Although not trained as a musician, Rivers was inspired by his experiences as the first Black priest in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and the opportunities provided by Vatican II, to compose music for liturgy. God is Love was his first work, and became part of "An American Mass Program", released by the World Library of Sacred Music, in which Rivers aimed to integrate traditional Black spirituals with Gregorian chant approaches to sacred music.
Rivers sang this hymn in the first official English-language Mass in America, at the National Liturgical Conference in 1964.
The lyrics are a collection of scripture verses and phrases from liturgical sources: the chorus is from John 4:16, while verses are based on:
- The antiphon from Ubi Caritas (translated),
- John 13:35,
- Romans 13:8-9
- Galatians 6:2
- 1 Corinthians 10:16
- 1 Corinthians 10:17
- John 6:50
Sheet music is likely to have been included in a number of collections - but the very generic title and verses that are direct scriptural quotes makes it difficult to identify them. It was definitely included in the Irish publication Alleluia! Amen - with a note that it is best performed unaccompanied. It is probably included in some other American publications, but the exact ones have not been identified. No recent or in-print publications have been found.
The tune is unnamed, and in Common time. In the key of C, the first few notes are G A EDC,
The melody and meter of each verse is different - and in a free style.
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| Image adpt. from "Agape" by Marcelino Rapayla Jr. License info. |
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Examples
Lyrics
God is love,And he who abides in love abides in God,
And God in him.
1 The love of Christ has gathered us together
Let us rejoice in him and be glad.
2 By this shall all know that we are his disciples
If we have love, one for another.
3 Owe no man anything except to love one another
For he who loves his neighbour will fulfil the whole law.
4 O carry one another's burdens
And so you will fulfil the law of Christ.
5 The cup of blessing which we bless
Is it not fellowship in the blood of Christ?
6 The bread which we break,
Is it not fellowship in the body of Christ?
7 We many are one bread, one body,
For we all partake of the one bread.
8 This is the bread that came down from heaven,
He who eats this bread live forever.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I searched and found this song it is special. Haven't heard it for over 40 years. Its a classic
ReplyDeleteLearn this song as a child I am so glad I found it
ReplyDeleteMy father sang this at our Church when I was a child..it was also sung at his funeral..amazing song for an amazing man..my Father George Dehner
ReplyDeleteA deacon sang this at our wedding. I have been looking for this for years. Thank you
ReplyDeleteBeen listening to the WORD all day. I received that Maderna(sp) shot. Been feeling super bad. It's 9:51 and feeling well enough to type this. This song came in my spirit. So glad I found it. Now to find "Father open our eyes".
ReplyDeleteFr. RIVERS sang this at my high school in Maryland. St Vincent Pallotti in Laurel. I graduated in 1967.
ReplyDeleteVerse 2 should be "By", not Be.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Fixed now.
DeleteDeacon Rivers sang this at the first English Mass in the U.S. in 1964, I was there. So glad I found it as it was sung at our wedding in '65.
ReplyDelete