August 2010

 

The Songs We Sing

 

Dear Friends,

 

The songs we sing at Mass are more than a nice accompaniment to the Liturgy. They are a way of building a deeper connection with God. The lyrics provide an opportunity to reflect, and the melodies bring our emotional selves deeper into the Mass.

 

If you look through the pages of the hymnal, you will see the name of the person or persons who composed each piece. Sometimes, the hymn reflects the composer’s own spiritual state. Amazing Grace (John Newton, 1779) fits that category. One of the most popular songs in the world, it was written by a former slave-ship sailor after a spiritual awakening:

 

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.”

 

This song makes us think of Jesus giving the blind man his sight:

 

“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)

 

Be Not Afraid (Bob Duford, 1975) sets up a haunting tale of loneliness, which is reinforced by the melody, but always brings us back to God’s presence:

 

“You shall cross the barren desert,

But you shall not die of thirst…

 

“If you pass through raging waters
In the sea, you shall not drown…
If you walk amidst the burning flames
You shall not be harmed…

 

“Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow Me
And I shall give you rest.”

It is based on a verse from Isaiah:

 

“When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2–3)

 

Let There Be Peace on Earth (Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, 1955) sends a message, not only of peace, but also of accountability…

 

“Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.”

…and immediacy:

 

“Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.”

There are many references to peace in the scriptures. These verses call to mind two in particular

 

“And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

 

These verses, and this song, tell us peace requires action. It is something we work for, both within ourselves and in the world.

 

The songs we sing—I hope you will reflect upon them and revel in their messages of faith and hope.

 

May God Bless,