Dear Parish Family,
Victor Hugo who wrote Le Miserable and inspired more than 1000 works for opera, ballet, and musical theater said “music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which remains silent”.
One of our parishioners expressed kindness to our musician this past weekend, regarding how much his voice and the hymn were in symphony together and how it touched him. Music underscores how our feelings can be intensified and elevated by a moment of melody. It creates and brings back memories of many different times or places in our lives.
The Bible uses the word “SING” over and over. “Sing to the Lord, sing praises, sing joyfully, sing a new song.” St Cecilia is the patron Saint of musicians. As an early Martyr, she claimed “ to have heard heavenly music in her head, and sang in her heart to the Lord.” St Augustine was deeply moved by liturgical hymns and songs. “Who sings, prays twice” is attributed to him.
We remember in Psalms 33 “Sing onto him a new song, play skillfully with a loud voice”, this makes me think of a concert seen at Oakland University where the musicians played instruments of the past including the tembrel, lyre, lute, and cymbals. It was an amazing experience that I would love to repeat. (Col 3:16) tells us about “making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
Which of our liturgical music most touches you? Is there a hymn that you hum or sing that seems to remain over and over? Do you find yourself leaving Mass and repeating lyrics of the closing hymn ? Have you ever found yourself waking up in the morning and the particular music is still there? Music is beautiful – another of God’s gifts to us.
Have a blessed day!
Mary Jo