In the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapter 27 A-B, the people are given the traditional release of one prisoner. They have a choice, the just man Jesus Christ and the “notable” prisoner Barabbas. When asked which prisoner should be released the people responded, “Barabbas.” (convinced by the chief priests and elders.) Pontius Pilate asks what punishment he should be given. “They all responded: Let him be crucified.” Disturbed by the obvious injustice, Pilate feebly asks, “What …showed first 75 words of 2711 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2711 total…so glorified. In Bach’s work, following the insurrection of the chorus of “Crucify him!” are some of the loveliest pieces of music ever written. The tenderest of arias, they are the lone voices of individuals, expressing heartbreak. The listener hears the human being and is comforted. A community can provide protection, inclusion, and perhaps even freedom from loneliness, but when the community is grievously wrong, where will we find those lone voices of right?