Across the Years there Echoes Still

This Advent hymn about repentance was written by South African Roman Catholic priest, later archbishop, and social justice activist (ref) Fr Denis Hurley OMI (1915-2004).

With meter 8787, it is set to the tune ST COLUMBA - a traditional Irish melody, composer unknown.

It is included in the 1994 and 2012 editions of the Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications, and this is the best source of sheet music for it.

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Lyrics

Across the years there echoes still
The Baptist’s bold assertion:
The call of God to change of heart,
Repentance and conversion.

The erring son He welcomed home
When all is spent and squandered:
He lovingly pursues the sheep
That from the flock has wandered.

The word that John more boldly spoke
In dying than in living:
Now Christ takes up as He proclaims
A Father all forgiving.

Forgive us Lord all we have done
To You and one another:
So often we have gone our way
Forgetful of each other.

Forgetful of the cross they bear
Of hunger, want, oppression -
Grant Lord that we may make amends
Who humbly make confession.