“The monumental Passion According to St. John well underscores Bach’s reputation as ‘the fifth evangelist.’ In this Lenten guide, Chaplain Hamer helps us listen, learn, and grasp anew the depth of our Savior’s sacrificial love and life.”
Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil
Author of The Care of Souls (Lexham, 2019)
Executive Director Emeritus; Collegium Fellow
DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel
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“In O Perfect Life of Love: Daily Lenten Meditations on J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion, theologian and musician Brian J. Hamer takes the reader on a pastoral journey through Bach’s masterwork, with its forty movements as the basis of devotions for the forty days of Lent. He offers a unique exploration of Bach’s musical language to express meaning, both spiritual and literal. As you experience vividly the crucifixion narrative, you recognize yourself in the guilt and you sense the forgiveness. Powered by Pastor Hamer’s insightful understanding of biblical history — as well as his wide knowledge of hymnody, Lutheran music, technical musical forms, and liturgical practice of Bach’s environment — this is a book that can be read time and again, even beyond the Lenten season.”
Dr. Jane Schatkin Hettrick
Professor emeritus – Rider University
Director of Music – Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bayside, NY