Be my light in the storm

I thoroughly enjoyed mass today - for a rather bimbotic reason though... heh :) there was a wonderful choir singing beautiful hymns! The congregation was led through "Be not afraid", "Christ, Be our Light", and "St Francis's Prayer (aka make me a channel of your peace).

The choir was comprised 4-5 members, doubling up as occasional musicians on the piano, guitar and violin. In summary, they were a small group of people who weren't always in tune but were so joyful, sincere and serious in their representation of music, that it infected the whole church.

Music resonates physically and emotionally within us. It is the language of our souls. Hence, music and singing at mass is indispensable.

Beautiful (sincere) singing and music is form of communication with God, an invisible bridge to union with pews of strangers in choral gusto and most of all, a tuneful resolution to ourselves to keep and walk the faith.

Hymns are can function as a sort of 'mnemonic' to our faith. Lyrics to hymns 'come' to us when we are searching, conciously or unconciously. Even when we forget the words, we remember the tune, and attach meaning to it. I am certain there have been times when have you may have found yourself humming a familiar tune, or connecting to lyrics of a song. Similarly, the tunes of hymns can trigger a memory of a necessary struggle or suffering, or comfort, or rejuvenate. For me, I am always joyful or moved while singing. Hymns fundmentally, remind us to rejoice in Hope even while suffering. Music moves us to hope and celebrate in God's promise of Love.

Every mass is celebration of the eucharist; a time of renewal of our faith and reflection of our thoughts and acts. A great choir and a sharp selection of hymns can greatly faciliate all the abovementioned. Specifically, an arousing choir can provide a musical context to the message of the readings and homily, and reinforce a connection to the Word. Sadly, I don't get that feeling when I attend mass in sg. Sometimes, it seems that choral members merely want to outdo each other in volume or showcase their voices. I don't think that they realise they come together to lead the congregation, to inspire worship instead being a devotee to one's own vocal prowess. I will dearly miss the masses in Brisbane, for the simple, compact, but proficient, rousing choirs.

Now for slightly less bimbotic stuff... Today's reading exhorted us not to forget to trust in Christ despite the storm. In our disorientation, we give in to fear and easily forget to trust. For some wierd reason, I was transported to a scene in LOTR - Return of the King, where Frodo gave in to fear insidiously incited by Golem, and distrusted Samwise Gamgee (the scene leading to the appearance of the horrible spider). Perhaps I am reminded of the scene because I was surprised to realise that even someone hopeful, innocent and loyal like Frodo; the best of us, fall prey to fears. It is so much easier to seek confirming evidence to distrust, than to consider evidence suggesting otherwise. However, it is interesting that when Frodo found himself lost and trapped in the cave where the spider dwells, he wishes Sam was there to support him in his hour of darkness. Perhaps intuitively, we know who we can trust - always.

This brings me to point I am blogging today, I am captured chorus of "Christ be our light" and really just wanted to post the lyrics, and not bable. Anyhow, if you are unfamiliar with this hymn, the tune to the chorus is cast with a minor scaling of sombre grave tones, but slowly it gives way to a rising melody and harmony in the chorus. I am sure you can draw the parrallels to todays reading. Enjoy.

Christ be our light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
Light of the world to see.

Chorus:
Christ, be our light!
Sing in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your Church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow'r to save us.
Make us your living voice.
(C)

Longing for food, many are hungry,
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed. (C)