‘The Commission’ is at the heart of the large-scale composition "Mass for the Homeless" by Joan and Wilson Somers.

The text comes from Holy Scripture in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 31-40. The message is simple: Humankind is called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. This call to service is seminal for the Christian walk.

In this performance, Mezzo-Soprano Charlotte Paulsen is accompanied by Sue Lerner, Violoncello, as well as the composer at the piano. This was part of the Sunday worship service at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA on August 19, 2018

From the composer: ""The Commission" is the heart of 'Mass for the Homeless' a work that captures the message of our need as a humanity to reach out and really give those people on the margin a chance, a hope for a future. Jesus said 'In as much as you do this unto the least of them...you do this for me'. The proposition is simple...if you want you life to be blessed then reach out to one less fortunate than yourself and. your life will be blessed. Life is short, my friends. Take heed and do this today...not tomorrow. The premiere of 'Mass for the Homeless' was in 1997 with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and at the largess of then conductor Stephen Gunzenhauser...I was honored to conduct the work. That night it raised 40K for homeless ministry in Northern Delaware. Image what it could do if it was performed throughout the country."

Wilson Somers