Where Charity and Love Prevail
Where charity and love prevail
This hymn emphasizes the centrality of agape love as the defining characteristic of Christian community and the incarnational presence of Christ within it. For Lutherans, it underscores the doctrine of the communion of saints and the mutual care commanded in the new commandment of Christ.
History & Background
The Latin original 'Ubi caritas et amor' dates to early Christian tradition and is often attributed to St. Ignatius of Antioch (1st-2nd century). Omer Westendorf created this English translation in 1960, which became widely used in both Catholic and Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 524
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 645
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 126
- Lutheran Service Book — 845
- United Methodist Hymnal — 549
Translation
Bulletin Note
This Latin hymn, traditionally ascribed to St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. 107), was given this beloved English text by Omer Westendorf in 1960. It captures the incarnational reality of Christ's presence in the communion of saints.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's demand for neighbor-love into Gospel joy by anchoring Christian community not in human effort but in the real presence of Christ dwelling where charity prevails.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the presence of God in charity (1), through learning Christ's love sacrificially (2), to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation (3), culminating in peace under God's fatherhood (4)
Themes
Christian love and charity Unity of the church Mutual service God's presence in community