Liturgical Music
Walk or jog any track and you are likely to see people with earbuds or In-ear headphones. While some may be catching up on the latest podcast, the majority are listening to music.
Music motivates people to move and helps to focus attention. The rhythms and the pulse of the beats helps people to keep a certain pace which is vital to effective exercise. Music and action have long been partners in exercise, dance, and liturgy.
In the liturgy, hymns and songs may highlight the Scripture readings, add to the solemnity of the liturgy, and foster a unity among the assembly. The Second Vatican Council document the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy calls the musical tradition of the universal Church a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art” (112). Noting the “preeminence” of music, the document goes on to say that “as sacred song closely bound to the text, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.” Music, then, isn’t merely a nice extra in the liturgy; it is intrinsic to the liturgy.
Music is wedded to the action of the liturgy. The Entrance Song, for example, is meant “to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical time or festivity, and accompany the procession of the Priest and ministers.” General Instruction of the Roman Missal. 47
The purpose of the song during the procession to the Eucharistic table is “to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the ‘communitarian’ character of the procession to receive the Eucharist.” General Instruction of the Roman Missal. 86
These processional songs remind us that we are pilgrims who journey from God, with God and toward God. As we journey, our common song unites our hearts and our voices in love. St. Augustine explained that singing is for lovers. It’s what people in love do! Who among us in the throes of falling in love hasn’t wandered about singing or whistling a tune? God is in love with us! We are in love with God! Words are not enough to express our feelings! We must sing!
But singing takes courage—ask any cantor! Singing involves risk and vulnerability. Yet this is exactly what is asked of each of us when we celebrate liturgy—to be open, vulnerable and willing to go beyond our comfort zones.
When I ask people to join the choir, I usually get the same stock answer, “I can’t sing.” Everyone can sing, at different levels perhaps, but EVERYONE CAN SING! The liturgy gives people a chance to return to God the voice they have been given. As you sing at the next liturgy, allow the music to move your heart in love and in song, returning your gift to God.