Today, this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are reminded by Jesus (in the face of anything) to “Fear no one…do not be afraid…” Is there anything to fear if there is nothing to conceal? We are called to “speak in the light” and “proclaim on the housetops” our lives grounded in the Gospel. Hard to do sometimes; we are all afraid of what people think, of what they may do and say to us and about us.
A couple of weeks ago, (Body & Blood) I spoke about our (sometimes lack of) attention span and our loss of focus during mass. One of the ways to help us concentrate is to be fully present in the moment by responding to the prayers and singing the responses and hymns. I know some of you are afraid of what your neighbor at mass will think about what they hear—but let go and praise God! Be not afraid…
Here is part of Pope Francis’ address to the participants in the International Conference on Sacred Music held in Rome. Several times, following Council recommendations, the Church Document [Musicam Sacram, March 5, 1967] highlights the importance of the participation of the entire assembly of faithful defined as “active, conscious, full.”
Musica Sacram very clearly highlights that it is therefore firstly a matter of intense participation in the Mystery of God, in the “theophany” that occurs in each Eucharistic celebration, in which the Lord manifests himself in the midst of his people who are called to participate in a true way in the salvation enacted by Christ’s death and Resurrection. Active and conscious participation consists, therefore, in knowing how to enter profoundly into this mystery, in knowing how to contemplate, adore, and welcome it, in grasping its sense.
In this regard, a two-fold mission emerges: (1) safeguarding and enhancing the rich and manifold patrimony inherited from the past, balancing it with the present. On the other hand, (2) it is necessary to ensure that sacred music and liturgical chant be fully “inculturated” in the artistic and musical language of the current time; namely, that they are able to incarnate and translate the Word of God into song, sound, and harmony capable of making the hearts of our contemporaries resonate, also creating an appropriate emotional climate which disposes people to faith and stirs openness and full participation in the mystery being celebrated.”
The Music Ministry is charged with this mission: but it is also the mission of all believers to participate fully, actively and consciously. We are all called to be focused on what is taking place, to be present, to give and then receive. Be not afraid—and Keep Singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
A couple of weeks ago, (Body & Blood) I spoke about our (sometimes lack of) attention span and our loss of focus during mass. One of the ways to help us concentrate is to be fully present in the moment by responding to the prayers and singing the responses and hymns. I know some of you are afraid of what your neighbor at mass will think about what they hear—but let go and praise God! Be not afraid…
Here is part of Pope Francis’ address to the participants in the International Conference on Sacred Music held in Rome. Several times, following Council recommendations, the Church Document [Musicam Sacram, March 5, 1967] highlights the importance of the participation of the entire assembly of faithful defined as “active, conscious, full.”
Musica Sacram very clearly highlights that it is therefore firstly a matter of intense participation in the Mystery of God, in the “theophany” that occurs in each Eucharistic celebration, in which the Lord manifests himself in the midst of his people who are called to participate in a true way in the salvation enacted by Christ’s death and Resurrection. Active and conscious participation consists, therefore, in knowing how to enter profoundly into this mystery, in knowing how to contemplate, adore, and welcome it, in grasping its sense.
In this regard, a two-fold mission emerges: (1) safeguarding and enhancing the rich and manifold patrimony inherited from the past, balancing it with the present. On the other hand, (2) it is necessary to ensure that sacred music and liturgical chant be fully “inculturated” in the artistic and musical language of the current time; namely, that they are able to incarnate and translate the Word of God into song, sound, and harmony capable of making the hearts of our contemporaries resonate, also creating an appropriate emotional climate which disposes people to faith and stirs openness and full participation in the mystery being celebrated.”
The Music Ministry is charged with this mission: but it is also the mission of all believers to participate fully, actively and consciously. We are all called to be focused on what is taking place, to be present, to give and then receive. Be not afraid—and Keep Singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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