Ich sage euch, viel werden kommen

This German sacred motet is for SSATB choir. Andreas Raselius sets a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks of many coming from the east and west to sit in the heavenly kingdom with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, he warns that the children of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This powerful text, often heard in Lenten or general services, receives a vivid musical setting from Raselius, exploring the contrasting themes of inclusion and exclusion, reward and condemnation. The motet would serve as a profound reflection for a choir and congregation during times of penitence or when contemplating the eschatological aspects of faith.