1 Saul of Tarsus planned it: break the church by force! till the Lord of glory met him in mid-course; blinding him at noonday Christ confronts his foe, all his pride and passion suddenly brought low. Christ is with his people when their blood is shed; those who wound the body wound the body's Head. 2 That Damascus journey showed the man his Lord; brought a brother's welcome, sacrament and word. When the Lord's opponent calls upon his name all the past is over, all its sin and shame. Christ is with his people, flooding them with light, in his love baptizing, giving back their sight. 3 Paul the new apostle preaches now with joy truth which he had fiercely laboured to destroy. God the Father's purpose in the Son is shown; from the Holy Spirit, power to make it known. Christ is with his people as they all make plain his renewing mercy, his dynamic reign. 4 Some from every city now with opened eyes turn from death and Satan and in Christ arise. In his church advancing let us serve today; those who see the vision dare not disobey. Christ is with his people, hope of every race, Lord in every language, King in every place.