New Hymns for the Lectionary
2nd Sunday of Lent Year A - Gospel
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How Can It Be?
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on John 3:1-17
TUNE: “Rossetti,” by William Jeater (1907)

There was a man—a ruling Jew—
Who came to Jesus, saying secretly:
A man cannot go back into the womb.
How can it be?

Nicodemus would teach Jesus.
Christ turned the table on this Pharisee:
You must be born again; so readjust!
How can it be?

You must be born of the water
And of the Spirit too—why can’t you see?—
If you would be His son or His daughter.
How can it be?

Are we children of God above
Or do we teach Him like a Pharisee?
Will we come out into the light of love?
Will we believe?

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself. Information on
the Revised Common Lectionary may be found at both textweek.com and Vanderbilt Divinity SChool.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman

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