We are the Light of the World (Blessed are they who are poor in spirit)

This song is a setting of the Beatitudes.

It was written by American Roman Catholic organist and composer, Jean Anthony Greif (1889-1981), and first published in 1966 by the Vernacular Hymns Publishing Co. It is still available from OCP (link below).

The originally-published chorus was "Let our light shine before men", but very soon after it was published, this was changed by the author to "Let our light shine before all"

The tune is usually called GREIF after it's composer. With meter 10 6 10 6 with refrain, this has a 6/8 time signature. In the key of Dm, the first few notes are F D D D F G A.

It has been covered by a number of contemporary artists, including Steve Angrisano, and a rock arrangement by Tom Tomaszek.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Choral arrangement from Angrisao's "Make a Difference"

Buy sheet music from OCP

Examples

Student choir with small band and piano backing:

Lead singer and congregation, organ accompaniment:

Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar, rock arrangement:

Singer and choir with band, professional recording:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1 Blessed are they who are poor in spirit ...
... bless us, O Lord, our God.

Chorus:
We are the light of the world;
may our light shine before all,
that they may see the good that we do,
and give glory to God.

2 Blessed are they who are meek and humble ...

3 Blessed are they who will mourn in sorrow ...

4 Bless those who hunger and thirst for justice ...

5 Blessed are they who show others mercy ...

6 Blessed are hearts that are clean and holy ...

7 Blessed are they who bring peace among us ...

8 Bless those who suffer from persecution ...