We were initially attracted to St. Cecilia because she is a patron saint of musicians. In my family, we have always been partial to the music ministry. My mom was the director of music at a couple different parishes. The rest of us would sing in choir and cantor for her from time to time. We also assemble for family weddings and funerals now and then. Of course, I am a big fan of the idea that “when you sing, you pray twice.” (source unknown)
My current parish puts a high priority on music ministry, and we certainly appreciate it. On special occasions, we even have bell choir and sometimes a percussionist. Every week we have a cellist, violinist, and a woodwinds player. I understand that some people don’t appreciate the music like we do, but I think we can all remember times that music has been inspirational.
Music certainly has the ability to inspire and motivate. It can bring comfort. We use is to drown our sorrows or raise our spirits. At mass, the music provides an environment of praise or meditation, and it gives us an opportunity to unite in song. I believe music draws us to full communion in the sacrifice of the mass, and so it helps to unite us with God.
Have you ever had moments like I have from time to time when a particular hymn or meditation piece catches you off-guard and stirs up emotions you didn’t realize you had lingering just below the surface? “Be Not Afraid” does that to me sometimes. Anything with beautiful harmonies will choke me up now and then.
The men in my house all sing with a large chorus called the Southern Gateway Chorus. The chorus members tend to show up in full force when a chorus member or family member passes. There’s something about them singing “The Irish Blessing” on those occasions that always gets to me.
There were plenty of tears of joy at my daughter’s wedding a couple years ago. We paid particular attention to planning the music for the ceremony. With so many family and friends who love to sing, the music was just glorious. I will always treasure the fact that she chose to sing the offertory hymn with my sister and me, accompanied by my sister-in-law. We sang “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place.” It’s one of our favorite female trio arrangements and a traditional choice for weddings in our family. But this was special because she came over, as the bride, and sang with us.
What about you? Are there moments in your life that were made extra special because of the music involved? Do you have any particular songs that are particularly special to you? Do you regularly appreciate the gift of music that God has given us?
Lord God, we thank you for the beautiful moments that we enjoy in our lives. Thank you, especially for the gift of music to inspire us in our worship. Please continue to support and encourage the wonderful music ministers in our churches, and the artists who spread Your good news with inspirational music in recordings and concerts. Help us to find the beauty of Your message in the music that we enjoy.