A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34, 35
If Ye Love Me
A new commandment - mandatum, in Latin - that Jesus’ little band of followers would love each other the way he loved them. The Latin word is where we get the term Maundy and why we call this day Maundy Thursday, the time we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.
The text of If ye love me is taken from words Jesus spoke later the same evening as he continued impressing on his disciples the meaning of love:
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever, that is, the spirit of truth. John 14:15-17a
Composer Thomas Tallis had an amazing life. He remained Catholic at a time in England when it was dangerous not to convert to the Church of England. Not only did he not convert, he was employed by the royal court for over 50 years! While he found favor with monarchs from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, Tallis lived at a time when many Christians were not following the command to love each other. He set these words from the gospel of John in 1565.
This song is beloved not just for the text but for the beautiful musical setting of the words. I first heard it performed at a wedding when my daughter Melinda and Ryan were married. Most of you heard it just a couple of years ago at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
The Cambridge Singers perform with the text and music on the screen. Here
Note the rich major chord on the word “forever.” This song is designed to give us hope!
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