Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

When we open a Sunday Mass with "Immortal, invisible, God only wise," the entire atmosphere in the church shifts. Set to the sturdy, driving Welsh melody known as St. Denio, this hymn carries a profound sense of awe. It asks the congregation to reflect on a God who is so radiant and vast that He remains hidden from our physical eyes, concealed by the sheer brilliance of His own light.

As a choir, singing these verses feels like a steady climb. The words by W. Chalmers Smith are incredibly poetic, contrasting our fragile human state—where we "blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish"—with the unchanging, unresting nature of the Creator. We often use this piece as an entrance or recessional hymn, especially on grand feast days or during Ordinary Time, because its confident rhythm naturally propels the procession down the aisle.

The final verse brings the whole piece to a beautiful climax. We ask the "Great Father of glory" to help us see that it is not darkness, but rather the overwhelming "splendour of light" that hides Him from us. It is a wonderful reminder for the choir and the congregation alike of the majesty we are gathered to worship.