There have been many fine hymns written in recent decades, some from the pen of John Bell and Graham Maule of the Iona Community in Scotland. As we celebrate the Feast of Sts Peter & Paul, both with their dramatic callings and grace-filled living out of those callings, the words of their hymn often called “The Summons” are good subject for our reflection. Read it slowly …
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare? Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same? Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen, And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show. Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
A good solo version is available here on Youtube. .Find out about the Iona community at Iona.org.uk
