“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Ps 81:1, Ps 98:4, Ps 110:1.
“The women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing.” 1 Sam 18:5.
David appointed, “singers who should play loudly on musical instruments to raise shouts of joy.” 1 Chron 15:16.
“All the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and the singers with their musical instruments leading in the celebration.” 2 Chron 23:13.
“Sacred music is to be considered the more holy, the more closely connected it is with the liturgical action, whether making prayer more pleasing, promoting unity of minds, of conferring greater solemnity in the sacred rites.” Vatican II, Sacred Liturgy.
“Religious singing by the faithful is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises as well as in liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may be heard,” Ibid.
“The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and cultivated with great care.” Ibid.
“The formation of the whole people in singing, should be seriously and patiently undertaken together with liturgical instruction, according to the age, status and way for life of the faithful, and the degree of their religious culture, Instruction on Music in the Liturgy, 1967.
“Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when it is celebrated in song with the ministries of each degree fulfilling their ministry and the people participating in it.” Instruction on Music, 1967.
“Music during Mass must serve the worship of God, and thus should have qualities of holiness and good form, should be suited to the liturgical action and the nature of each of its parts, should not impede the participation of the whole congregation, and must direct the attention of mind and heart to the mystery which is being celebrated.” Third instruction on the Implementation of the Liturgy,1970.
“Songs and music fulfill their function as signs in a manner all the more significant when they are more closely connected with the liturgical action, according to three principal criteria: beauty of expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way they participate in the purpose of the liturgical words actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.” CCC 1157.
“The harmony of signs (songs, music, words, and actions) is all the more expressive and fruitful when expressed the cultural richness of the People of God who celebrate.” CCC 1158.
“I hope that the harmony of music and song, which knows no social or religious barriers, will be a constant invitation to believers and all people of good will to seek together the universal language of love that enables people to build a world of justice and solidarity, hope and peace.”
Pope Benedict XVI, Oct 20, 2005.
“God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises. A cry from deep within our being, music is a way for God to lead us to the realm of higher things. As St. Augustine says, “Singing is for the one who loves.” Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. In this sense, it is very personal. By its very nature, song has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people.” USCCB Sing to the Lord, 2007.
“Liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that ‘the new man sings a new song.’ Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love,” Pope Benedict XVI, Post Synod Document on the Eucharist.
Music
Singing praise and playing musical instruments is an ancient and yet current liturgical practice. To sing is to pray twice. Music leaders celebrate worship when they connect the music to the liturgy and encourage the participation of all those present. Music leads the heart and mind to the worship of God in a powerful way. Songs and music to praise God show both the joy and love of the singers as well as the authors. Musical talent comes out of God’s love and leads others into God’s love.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?