04/15/2026
1. Arie B
Behold, I will send out many fishers, says the Lord, which shall angle for them. And afterwards I will send out many hunters, who shall pursue them upon all the mountains and all the hills and in all the rocky crevices.
2. Recitative T
How easily could the Highest do without us
and turn his grace from us,
when the perverted mind wickedly separates from him
and with stubborn will
races to its destruction.
However what does
his fatherly will do?
Does he walk away from us with his goodness,
just like we have from him,
and abandon us to the deceit and trickery of the enemy?
3. Aria T
No, God is always concerned
to make us know the good path
through the light of his grace.
Indeed, when we are lost
and have left the right path,
he will have us searched for.
Part Two
4. Recitative T - Aria B
Jesus said to Simon: Do not be afraid; for from now on you will catch people.
5. Aria (Duet) S A
If God himself calls, then blessing
upon all our deeds
must rest in abundance,
even if fear and worry stand in the way.
The talent that he lends to us,
he will have back again with interest;
as long as we don't merely bury it,
he gladly helps, so that it bears fruit.
6. Recitative S
What then can frighten you in your journey,
if God himself stretches out his hands to you, my heart?
Before this simple gesture all misfortune already withdraws,
and it can powerfully shield and protect you.
Though trouble, strain, envy, trial, and falsehood approach
and seek to destroy and hinder what you do,
do not let brief hardship diminish your intention;
the work that he assigns will not be too difficult for anyone.
Go forth joyfully always, you will see it to the end,
so that, what once made you tremble, shall have been useful for you!
7. Chorale
Sing, pray and walk in God's ways,
only carry out your ways faithfully
and trust in heaven's rich blessing,
then it will be renewed in you;
for whoever places his confidence
in God, God will never abandon.
(Translation by Pamela Dellal, from www.emmanuelmusic .org/bach-translations/bwv-88)
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