Rock Opera composed using music from "Only Golden Fingers Could Play So Heavy," with new lyrics by Roger D. Linder (with some suggestions by Bethany Carlson.) Additional songs added for FAWM 2022. Original lyrics for "40 Days" written in January-April 2001.
Crowd Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest
What do we do now, since our Lord has died? What do we do now, after we have cried? What do we do now, when our tears have dried? What do we do now, who will be our guide? We are purchasing the spices Purchasing the spices To preserve the body of our Lord We are purchasing the spices Purchasing the spices To hon-or the life of our Lord What do we do now, since we’ve bought the spice? What do we do now, will it still suffice? What do we do now, since he paid the price? What do we do now, is he in Paradise? We are preparing the spices Preparing the spices To preserve the body of our Lord We are preparing the spices Preparing the spices To honor the life of our Lord What will we do now that the day has dawned? What will we do now, how can we respond? What will we do now, in the days beyond? What will we do now, for him we have a bond? We are carrying the spices Carrying the spices To preserve the body of our lord We are carrying the spices Carrying the spices To honor the life of our lord
We are burying our sorrow Waiting ‘til tomorrow To avoid the breaking of the law Laws that are unjust, he was quick to break Laws that he discussed, measures he would take Nothing would be lost, to his quickened mind All but for what cost, now that he has died? We are hiding here in sorrow Focusing on our woe When we should be thinking of our Lord Where do we begin, how do we react? While we look within, his death is a fact Questioning our faith, he would scold us so Is he but a wraith, urging us to go? We are pondering our exit Sabbath day prevents it We cannot not go out to mourn our Lord
We are just but women three, with the spices and perfume But the path which we must take is blocked by stone to the entombed No one dares to come with us for fear that they will be arrested All we’re guilty of is words our Lord himself attested. Will they be at our behest To open up this dreadful chest? May we treat him with our best? Who will roll away the stone? Our sorrow raw, our feet are sore No Earthly power can open that door Our hopes are dimmed, outlook is poor Who will roll away the stone? We have arrived, the stone aside We dare not even look inside A body’s theft, cannot abide Who has rolled away the stone?
Guards: The earth is quaking, we’re all so shaken Our lives are flashing, we’re so forsaken The end is near, our lives are lost We must stay here, but what a cost We can’t stay here longer or we’ll die We must flee now, time to say goodbye. The sky is dark now, the lightning’s flashing The wind is blowing, the trees are thrashing A man appears right here before us He’s white as snow, he won’t ignore us We can’t stay here longer or we’ll die We can’t see now, this is our goodbye. Angel: I am here to move the stone You’re not alone, don’t lie there prone As he told you, he lives once more Forevermore, a life restored Guards: We still are shaken, that he awakened Too much to witness, too much to take in Our lives are forfeit if we speak of it And to the truth we must not admit We can’t stay here longer or we’ll die We must find a tale we can stand by
Guards: It’s a tale, too strange to tell With lightning, to the ground we fell An angel of God, he moved the stone We feared so much, our lives were done Priests: A tale for sure, it has no fact You cannot share, we’ll make a pact A sum of riches, yours to spend Keep quiet or it will be your end Guards: A mighty feat like this to view A fearful sight, we’re telling you A story that cannot be shared A truth that must be undeclared Priests: But a mere fable, it is true No one will know, what you once knew Forevermore you must relate That this was false, that is your fate The followers came through the dark They took the body, left no mark This is the tale that you will tell Now go away, you’ve been paid well.
Mary Magdalene Where have they taken him? Let us ask this man. Did he rise again? Wasn't that his plan? Joanna What have they done with him? Has he gone away? Where is he today? Tell us right away! Angel The one you seek has left here There's no reason to remain. He told you he'd return to you. And now he's not in pain. Look where they had lain him, all you see are bloody clothes Time is now to be rejoicing, gone are all your woes! Go, now, tell all what you've seen, remind them what he said. This is the fulfilled prophecy: he is no longer dead. Mary Magdalene It's a miracle! Can it be true? Is this the thing he told us he would do? I would rejoice! I'd raise my voice, out loud I'd shout! Believe? But, yes, I must confess there is doubt. Yet you ask me to accept this story. I'm still uncertain, can't be sure. When will I see and once more hold my Lord? What to do? I'm so confused! The words you're saying must be refused! Where have they taken him? Has he gone away? Where is he today? I must know right away!
Mary Magdalene Everything I've loved has now been taken away. You were there all along, now for your return I pray. If it wasn't for you I know I couldn't make it through my life If it wasn't for you If it wasn't for you You had a love that was true And I know you've helped me through my strife You had a love that was true You had a love that was true You were my hope, my joy, my song, I gave you my affection. You gave me strength to carry on You gave my life direction. I need someone and that someone's got to be you. Though you've been there all along you're just like a prayer come true. If it wasn't for you I know I couldn't make it through my life If it wasn't for you If it wasn't for you You had a love that was true And I know you've helped me through my strife You had a love that was true You had a love that was true I said that I would never leave But now you've left me. Was I a fool? Was I naive? I need to know, please tell me. If it wasn't for you I know I couldn't make it through my life If it wasn't for you If it wasn't for you You had a love that was true And I know you've helped me through my strife You had a love that was true You had a love that was true Jesus Peace be with you, Mary my child Let God in your heart A new life to start Peace be with you, understand You need to be strong You need to belong
Jesus Woman, why is it that you weep? Who are you looking for? He who once lay here fast asleep Is resting here no more. Mary Magdalene Sir, have you taken my Lord away? Please tell me where he can be. As you tended your gardens here today, Did you see anyone, did you see? Jesus Mary, it is I. I've returned here today. Mary Magdalene Rabboni! Can it be, are you really alive? Jesus Do not cling to me, I have yet to ascend Tell my brothers, all, that you have seen the Lord.
Disciples Wasn't he a most amazing man? Wasn't he a most amazing man? He was there at the top of it all We were glad when we answered his call Why this fate to us now should befall? What a most amazing man! He was a most amazing man! Wasn't he a most amazing man? Wasn't he a most amazing man? Had he fought, he could have been a king. Of his victory we would all sing. We would not have to suffer death's sting. A most amazing man! A most amazing man! Mary Magdalene My friends, I have seen! Our Lord is alive! I just came from him! Cower no more, he is soon to arrive. Do not be so grim. How can you not be joyful? Disciples Wasn't he a most amazing man? Wasn't he a most amazing man? Now you tell us that life has prevailed? But we saw on the cross he was nailed, And with his death our hopes have failed He was a most amazing man. Just a most amazing man.
PeterHow can we believe them?JohnHow can we not?PeterHe told us he would come back.JohnWhat did he mean?PeterIf Jesus is alive now...JohnHow could that be?PeterIt's exactly as Mary said The tomb is an empty cave See the cloth that covered his head He is gone, how can we be saved?
Luke We were walking towards town, sharing recents events Cleopas We were trav'ling our usual route, Luke & Cleopas When a man came nearby and he asked us Jesus "My friends, what are you so worked up about?" Cleopas "Have you not heard all the gossip? Have you been long from this place? Our Lord, Jesus from Naz'reth Has died on the cross, a disgrace!" Luke "We had hoped for a king, a redeemer for all But he lost, we are lost, cannot cope And some women tell us now his body is gone That he lives, we should not give up hope." Cleopas "But how can we believe it? The stories they tell can't be true" Luke "The facts and figures just don't fit All hope is now lost for the Jews." Jesus "You are fools, can't you see what the scriptures reveal? Don't you know what the prophets foretold? That the Christ would be tortured and suffer 'til death? But the power of death would not hold?" Luke We then came to our village We urged him to stay as our guest Cleopas "The day is almost over, Please stop here, give your feet a rest" Vocal Descant Take this bread, my body is given for you Take this cup, my blood is shed for you Luke & Cleopas So we ate, he took bread, he gave thanks as he broke And at once Jesus we recognized And as quickly he left, but we knew him as Lord The man was no longer disguised. Luke So heed what we are saying The Lord is risen today! His words burned in our bodies As he spoke to us along the way
Who has taken him away, who of us will get the blame? Who would think to steal the dead? Heaven knows we’re not the same. Fear has fallen on our lives, trembling now under the weight Lives are forfeit, end of times, and here we know we cannot wait Let us go to Galilee, as the women said we must Let us go away from here, we stay here we will be crushed Let us hide ourselves away Never see the light of day Let us find what we have lost Forget we ever saw the cross But we promised we would serve Tell the truth and spread the word We cannot just flee the scene We can’t leave, it was foreseen He told us all to meet him there He told us all to brave the tide He told us he would come again He told us that before he died But we could not believe him then We could not even understand He told us but we did not hear And now we live our lives in fear.
Peace beyond all understanding Heav’nly bliss awaits for you No more fear, no more demanding The life you know will soon be through When the Father greets his children When he welcomes one and all A new age will start rebuilding Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall Point no fingers Share no blame Find your joy in He who came Care for others That’s your call Treat them equal Big and small Live a life that’s worth reliving Live a life you’d care to share Be the person that’s forgiving Fill your life with daily prayer Peace beyond all understanding It’s a lesson we can share Live in happiness expanding Live a life that’s full of care
Jesus Peace be with you tonight! Don't stand there all in fright. Look at me, come and touch... I won't bite! You're not seeing a ghost. Hear the sound of the heavenly host. We are here to celebrate, let's make it the most. I will send you out to the crowds. Preach the good news all over town. Why do you doubt? Can't you see what this all is about? The time is now to get up and shout As it was foretold Through the law and the prophets of old Is now fulfilled before you. Behold! I will send you out to the crowds. Preach the good news all over town. Give me something to eat A piece of fish, a slice of meat. So you will know of death's defeat. Jerusalem awaits The pow'r of demons Son and Spirit negates The Heav'nly Father gives us his mandates I will send you out to the crowds. Preach the good news all over town.
Jesus Go unto all the earth, preach good news, bring rebirth; I will send you. I am with you today, soon I must go away; My days are few. You will live to forgive. In my name, you'll proclaim: The Son of Man will come once more. The sick will be healed, they'll share in my meal. Blessings will be on the poor. There's no reason to fear it, here's the breath of the Spirit; Its music will be your life It will take you away, from it you'll never stray; The Spirit will be your life. I am sending you out, you shall no longer doubt; Breathe the Spirit. Those whose sins you forgive will be destined to live In the Spirit. Breath is sweet, life's complete, take your fill of God's will; The spirit will guide you along. Those you will save will be kept from the grave. The weak will become the strong.
Gathered Group We have seen the Lord, there is no longer fear Did you hear what he has said? As he promised us, the end of death is here He has risen from the dead! There is no doubting now He has returned somehow And our hearts are no longer heavy For the word of God has never been so steady Sin and death can harm no more For life has won victory for the poor No more sitt'n 'round being grievers We have seen the Lord! We are all believers! We have seen the Lord, he has honored us We have touched, he ate, we knew He came, he left, we made such a fuss All that he said is true! We must tell the world We must shout out loud That our hearts now know the victory It's clear to us that we are making history! Sin and death can harm no more For life has won victory for the poor No more sitt'n 'round being grievers We have seen the Lord! We are all believers! The road won't always be easy Sometimes, some damage will be done But if we have our way All hearts will be opened for the Son. We have seen the Lord, there is no longer fear Did you hear what he has said? As he promised us, the end of death is here He has risen from the dead! There is no doubting now He has returned somehow And our hearts are no longer heavy For the word of God has never been so steady Sin and death can harm no more For life has won victory for the poor No more sitt'n 'round being grievers We have seen the Lord! We are all believers!
Thomas You are telling me that you've seen the Lord. Are you asking me to take you at your word? Until I see the nail marks on his hands Until I touch the spear wounds on the man I will not believe That he lives and breathes. I cannot believe! What a tale you weave! Jesus Peace I bring to you, brothers all here today Thomas, I have heard you doubt what they say. Put your finger here, put your hand in my side. I am fully here, it cannot be denied. Do you now believe That I live and breathe? Blessed are those who believe Without having seen! Thomas Yes, I do believe! Lord, I do believe! Yes, I do believe! Lord, I do believe!
Peter Pull out the nets, I'm going fishing. Can't stay here, waiting, wishing For a sign of what we're trying to do. The sea! Calling me! Pull in the nets, looks like it useless. There's no fish, it's all pointless. The sea is barren, nothing is there, and I'm through! The sea! Cheating me! Jesus Have you had any luck? Peter Not a single bite! Jesus Don't give up and get stuck; Throw your nets to the right. Peter Pull in the nets! They are brimming! John It is the Lord! Peter I am swimming Back to meet him, back to greet him now! The sea! Feeding me!
Jesus: Here’s a fire ignited Here’s a basket of bread Bring me some of those fishes Sit down for a big spread. Eat your fill and Tell me your all your tales They’re incredible! Peter: We were out on the water Having nary a bite Almost ready to give up When you came into sight We believed and Rolled up our sleeves And the net filled! And now we’re once more Eating with the Lord! The fire is warming us Our faith once more restored! We just couldn’t be silent When we saw it was you None of us needed To ask “Who are you?” You are the Lord and Life is our reward No longer skeptical
Now that we all have fed, let’s take a moment’s rest And talk about the things you all must do You are my chosen, and we are not through It’s a pretty simple task, I don’t think too much to ask Just stay in town, await the gift to come As my Father promised to Jerusalem. You know of John the Baptist, the methods he practiced He used water to immerse Now in just a few days, we’re practicing new ways A Spirit, a new vital force. It’s everything you’ve hoped, this Spirit sent by God. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before. It will provide you new ways to explore. It is not for you to know, time and date for it to show But you will get the pow’r to spread the word My witnesses you’ll be, and you’ll be heard! In Judea, Samaria, and all ‘round the area You’ll testify with many tongues It won’t matter your language, your status, your village The word will be spoken as one.
Jesus Simon, do you love me? More than the others do? Peter I love you Lord, you know that I do. Jesus Feed my lambs. Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter I do, Lord, yes, you know that I do. Jesus Tend my sheep. Simon, do you love me? Peter Lord, you know all, you know I love you. Jesus Feed my sheep. When you were young, you cared for yourself, and you went your own way But when you are old, you will hold out your hands, and you'll be led away Follow me!
Peter: What about him? Jesus: Why should you care? What is that to you? If I want him to stay alive, what else can you do? You must follow me, my commandments You must must feed my sheep You will find that, should you falter You won't fall asleep Peter: So he won’t die? Jesus: Did not say that, just you nevermind He will tell our tales to the world, he’s the one assigned. Were they written down in volumes All the pages filled There would not be room enough for Prophecies fulfilled Peter: Will you guide us? Jesus: I won’t need to. You will guide yourselves. But the spirit I will send you, will be something else! Just a nudging, that you’re feeling, You may hear a call Answer swiftly, hesitate none Don’t let the movement stall!
Let us go up to the mountain, by the town of Galilee There we’ll meet him, as he told us, at the mountain by the Sea His disciples, his commandment, not just for us but all of them A great return, with the five hundred, women, children and the men. Some believers, many doubters, they will see with their own eyes None will doubt us, sight delivers, no one left to call it lies There in the distance, see him standing, see him shining like the sun! Fall down and worship, he is risen, he is yet the Holy One! What words of wisdom shall be spoken, here upon this holy mount? Open all your ears and listen, write it down, the full account!
Jesus I leave my peace with you, friends A peace the world can't give Spread the news to earth's ends: "Follow me, choose to live" Share my spirit, share my word, tell all who I am Baptize all who come to you believing in God's lamb. Peter But we are merely men How can we go out again, Ill-equipped to see this through? Will we be all alone, Traveling where we're unknown? Who will guide us? Who? Jesus The Father, Son, and Spirit Will fit you for the task If you should find it lacking You only need to ask Your prayers will sound on Heaven's bell Your songs forever sung I am with you always, 'til the end of the age has rung All authority is mine Until the end of time All shall follow in The Way Make disciples for the cause Free the people from the laws My commandments to obey I leave my peace with you, friends A peace the world can't give Spread the news to earth's ends: "Follow me, choose to live"
Jesus Back together again We are back together again When we pray people say we will win Back together again Disciples Back together again We are back together again When we pray people say we will win Back together again Jesus I will bless you, but you soon will find That the Spirit will be on your mind Time and date are not for you to know To the ends of the earth you must go And now my time has come To step out of the light But watch for my return A beacon in the night My time on Earth is through But I will come again My love will carry on And goodwill it will send Angels Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? Jesus, Son of God, will soon return, he'll send his Spirit from on high.
Luke On Pentecost, a wind came up while they were meeting A fire was lit atop each head, the Lord's own greeting And they knew now the Spirit had entered their lives. Group All the wonders of our God Were spoken in all tongues Though the men were Galileans Understood by everyone Peter You wonder how this may be, "must be the wine," you say I tell you now, listen to me, it's still early in the day. What you hear is the Spirit speaking though men. Group All the wonders of our God Were spoken in all tongues Though the men were Galileans Understood by everyone Glory to God the Father Glory to the Son Glory to the Holy Spirit God, the Three In One Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alle, Alleluia
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