Several weeks ago we were challenged in adult Sunday School class at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren to bring the needs of poverty and hunger to the congregation and to challenge the congregation to take up the cause in a significant way.
During the service that followed, I was thinking about this while the organist was playing a variation on the hymn tune Arnsberg that is used with the hymn, "God Himself is With Us." Some phrases began going through my mind, and I decided to try and write a hymn on the theme of hunger and poverty, using that hymn tune. The hymn that follows is the result of that effort.
If you love me, feed my sheep
Homeless, sick, and dying; in cold silence crying;
Where will we find simple shelter?
In your warm bed lying, on your heat relying;
Do you care about my people?
If you care, won’t you share?
I gave you a charge to keep,
If you love me, fold my sheep.
Midst disease and sickness, you their suff’ring witness;
Who will heal their pain and sorrow?
With your health insurance, medical assurance;
Do you care about your neighbors?
If you care, won’t you share?
I gave you a charge to keep.
If you love me, heal my sheep.
Hear the children crying; oh so many dying;
Who will feed these hungry children?
With contentment sighing; on your wealth relying;
Do you care about these children?
If you care, won’t you share?
I gave you a charge to keep.
If you love me, feed my sheep.
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