PASTORAL ASSOCIATE FOR MUSIC

Music has been sung with Christian worship for nearly two thousand years. The Psalms exhort us to “Sing Unto the Lord” and to “Praise the Lord with a Might Voice,” while Paul tells us to sing “hymns and spiritual songs.” The Roman historian Pliny tells us that the early church sang “hymns to ‘Chrestus’, as if he were a god.” While some melodies that are texts (especially, of course, the Psalms) were taken over from the Hebrew liturgy, some new hymns and tunes originated very early on, for singing is a natural human expression, when we are happy or sad. When we sing the Gregorian Alleluia, we share a tangible link with our earlier brothers and sisters, for this simple melody has been sung through all of the church’s history, perhaps from the very beginning. Professional composers and talented amateurs alike over the ages have created what the Vatican II documents refer to as an exquisite treasure. Our Pope, Benedict XVI, also a talented musician, has referred to the Spiritual Benefits to be derived in Good Music. While not all music that is written or performed is worthy to be presented at the Altar of God, nor is it worthy of the People of God, it is the essential task of the Church Musician to find that which does ‘work,” and will have lasting value. That is the vocation of the Church Musician.

Throughout the Liturgical Year, there are many opportunities to join in the corporate song of the Church. There are slow songs, there are fast songs, there are sad songs, there are happy songs. There are hymns that tell the story of Christ’s love for us, and there are hymns of our Thanksgiving to the Creator. There are hymns to Mary (though none, so far as I’ve seen, specifically to Our Lady of Good Counsel. We’ll have to work on that.), and to the other Saints who have gone before us. Some melodies are centuries old, and are revered for their special timeless quality. And some were written yesterday, yet to prove their mettle. We invite you to join in the song!
That said, it is also understandable that perhaps you don’t feel you’ve got the voice,, or you’re not in the mood. I spend a great deal of time in churches. Even my conventions and vacations are in churches. There’s a lot of singing going on. And I like to sing (besides which, it’s good for you). But, once in a while, the mood strikes me to just sit back and listen to everyone else. I’m allowed, and you are, too.

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