Cue Music

One of the reasons I request to be friends with so many faithful Catholics (especially Priests, Deacons, and Religious) is so I can learn and try to have an informed conscience (as defined by the Church). One thing I have ascertained is that there are some strong opinions out there 😊.    Although I do respect all opinions and honestly do CONSIDER the points that are made, I have to admit, I do give more weight to some opinions than others.  A few of the things I consider are:  do they back up their opinion with facts (not of the alternative kind) and actual Church teachings; are most of their posts controversial; how do they deal with comments that disagree with their opinion (this is a biggie as it shows so much of their true nature); do their overall posts indicate time is spent in prayer and contemplation to ensure they are reflecting the inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Although I rarely disagree with those whose opinion I have come to admire most, there is one topic that the majority of them agree on that I do not, at least in part.

A major contention between U.S. Catholics is appropriate liturgical music at Holy Mass.  I have only had one friend who seemed to have the same take on it as I do or at least post about it.  Unfortunately, she left us all too soon or else I would ask her to write this instead of me, as she was an expert at expressing her thoughts (and always grammatically correct 😊)

There are those who say anything goes if it “moves” the congregation and/or addresses the complaint that “I do not get anything out of the Mass” (oh, could I write a book on what is wrong with that one).   Of course, I absolutely disagree.  I definitely maintain that the Mass is NOT about the congregation itself and what “moves” them.  Yes, we come together in prayer, but it is so we can, “with one voice” and as a community, acknowledge, praise and thank Him, His power and might, His Mercy, His sacrifice,  His Love.  It is to re-present His Last Supper by fulfilling His command to “do this in memory of Me”; to receive His crucified and risen Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist.  It is not about making us feel good or “connected”, but rather what is pleasing to God.

Then, there are those who maintain that “traditional” music and the organ are the only acceptable channels to please God.  I disagree with that thought also, as it is a very narrow statement.   First, I find their description of “traditional” somewhat suspect.  The majority of what I have read as examples of “traditional” were written between 1200s and late 1800s.  What exactly makes them traditional?  The Church as we know it, was established in 33 A.D. and God did not stop creating gifted composers after the 19^th century.  The argument is given that most of the modern music used at Mass was written by non-Catholics.  I often remind folks that quite of few of the so-called traditional hymns were written by Protestants.  Now, there is a little more validity with the organ since its use began in the 200s, but, are we maintaining that this is the only instrument that pleases God?

Now, I do believe that we have lost the reverence and appropriate consideration in the music and instruments at Holy Mass.  I do not believe that drums, electric guitars, or any other loud and distracting instruments have a place in reverent worship. That is not to say the organ cannot be distracting especially when played too loudly or with too many “flourishes”.  Plus, while many of the contemporary choirs “perform”, I have seen many traditional choirs do so as well.

We all have our preferences in what we like or even feel is appropriate, and therefore, I do not believe that all Masses should utilize the same hymns and instruments.  But I challenge all, no matter where you stand on the spectrum, to remember, it is not about us or our preferences.  What I do think should be considered (IMHO), when choosing the appropriate instruments and music, is the spirit of tradition.  What I mean is that we should consider:  do the music, words, and instrument offer reverence, gratitude, adoration, honor, and praise of God; do they acknowledge the power, grace, love, and mercy of God; do they put the focus on Him, not us, while still offering thanksgiving for what He has done for us; do they distract us from our prayers by turning our attention from Him to them; and finally, do the words “suit” the part of the Mass at which they are being sung?

I had blogged on this topic before, but it must have been on the old site.  I wish I still had it as, if I remember correctly, I articulated my opinion much more eloquently, but I hope I at least offered some food for thought.  As always, I am just writing my opinion with hopes that it will just get people thinking, not to change anyone’s opinion or to say that I am right.