Has no one condemned you?
The gospel for this coming Sunday (Lent V, Year C) is that of the adulteress brought before Jesus, whereafter He invites her accusers to cast the first stone. This is, perhaps, one of the most iconic moments of Christ’s ministry, and a poignant reminder that we need to reflect on our own sinfulness before we concern ourselves with that of our brothers and sisters.
The communion antiphon associated with this gospel passage is Nemo te condemnavit which reads:
“Has no one condemned you, woman?”
“No one, Lord.”
“Neither shall I condmn you. From now on, sin no more.”
For chant lovers, here is the original:
Over the course of the last three years, our choir has spent considerable effort learning to sing plainchant: simple/florid, vernacular/latin (and every combination thereof). We have relied primarily on Father Weber’s excellent book The Proper of the Mass for our introits and communion antiphons, with excursions to other resources for special occasions or if the solemnity of a particular liturgy demands it. As part of our chanting at communion, we have discovered the joy of singing ad alternatum — dialoguing between men & women. This style of chanting has a particularly monastic feel to it, which is very beautiful and peaceful—perfect for communion.
As it turns out, this week’s communion antiphon (Nemo te condemnavit) lends itself particularly well to this style of singing, as it is a dialogue between Christ and the woman whom He saves from stoning on account of her adultery.
Knowing that chanting in latin is still beyond the reach of some parishes (if for political, rather than material reasons,) I have arranged this antiphon in english to mirror the original melody, and I am offering it as a free resource to those music directors who might wish to use it. The psalm verses are taken from Communio with english verses and the Gloria Patri is a hybrid between the Palmer/Burgess and & Fr. Weber versions.
Feel free not only to share/record/etc., but to refer people both to this website and to the rehearsal video.
Pax vobiscum,
James
