I adore singing! Belting it out when the music begins during mass and when the mood strikes me in the car, I feel a release inside of me as the words leap from my mouth. The melody soothes my soul. Sadly, my kids prefer I not sing. My impaired hearing causes my tone to be off, leaving something to be desired. They grin wryly at me as I let the words grab a hold of me and sing with my fellow church goers during mass each Sunday.
However, as Covid madness began in February 2020, the churches were closed to us for lengths of time. When they reopened, the way we participated in the mass was ‘adjusted’. Naturally, one of the things I missed most was singing during mass. I pined to open my mouth with my fellow parishioners and belt out my favorite, and not so favorite, hymns. I just ached to sing! There was fear of spread of the Coronavirus with our words being forcefully ejected from our mouths in song. I mourned. I wanted to praise the Lord so deeply with hymns. “Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful.” Psalm 149:1
The Lord knew the longing of my heart. He began bestowing songs in my soul a few mornings a week, conferring them so that the melody and words would fill my mind as I woke in the morning. The music and melody were undeniable, and often so obscure that I did not even realize I knew the song. However, the messages were always applicable and pointedly for me. The unexpected tunes made my soul rejoice. I would hum or sing the hymn as the day went by, grateful for the little gift from God, His presence made known.
“Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to His afflicted.” Isaiah 49:13
These little melodical gifts from the Lord helped me to realize the variety of ways music touches our souls. It is interesting to me the array of moods and messages that can be conveyed in music and by the style that we sing. For example, singing softly lends to singing to a sweet baby to soothe or calm. However, soft words are also barely uttered to a song that speaks just what we feel when exhaustion or sadness has struck and all we can muster is a minute sound, only hitting a syllable here and there. Our hearts touched, our misery so well spoken to, in a hymn. To contrast, there is ‘big’ singing, when we use our robust voices to expel words and energy from deep within us. Songs that again speak what our souls feel. We finish the final word, having given it all we had, plopping down in sweet exhaustion.
Mindless singing, in different forms, seems to come throughout our days. Happy humming is a catchy little beat that causes our lips to reverberate and our body to bop along as we work, stroll, or simply enjoy life. Singing a familiar song without paying much attention to the words or message, but thoughtlessly singing as you go seems to be ‘just singing’. Finally, there are love songs. I am not speaking of songs that talk about how much you love someone or a deep relationship you have. I am talking about the singing that takes place from the very blessed few who can feel love’s profound pang penetrating their soul. It is guttural singing, intense words that are only found in the depths of who you are, as you discover the intricacies of rich soul-seeping love.
All these types of singing bring joy to Our heavenly Father as He watches us chant and produce melody for a variety of reasons. The way song can express what is deep inside us, longing to come out, is an act of God. He created us this intricately to be able to express, feel, and beautifully share what he places in our hearts. What a gift song is to each of us!
“…but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts.” Ephesians 5: 18b-19
Call To Act: Take time to notice the songs that strike you and the depth of emotion you feel as you listen to music or sing this week. Take few minutes and journal on it. Why does the song strike you? What words leap out at you, asking you to reflect on them? How does this song reflect your life right now? Ask the Lord to reveal messages to you through song if it pleases Him. You will be shocked at the songs He will place on your heart and in your path, as well as the unique ways they express the deepness of your emotions and situations.
I am praying for you, sister, as you dive into this beautiful method of expression. The way a song can tug at your heart and produce profound emotion is incredible. I pray the Lord allows you to feel His abiding love through melodies and noteworthy music.
St Cecelia, patron saint of music, pray for me as I allow the melodies of life and of our Lord to fill my being. Ask the Lord to reveal His guidance for me through the music He places on my heart. Intercede for me allowing me to realize the impact music has on my mood, my relationships, and all I convey. Ask the Lord to fill my life with beats that are pleasing to Him and that allow me to serve Him more fully. I ask this through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Saint Cecelia
St. Cecelia is the patron saint of musicians. She was born in a wealthy family in the second century and, to her dismay, promised to a nobleman. She conceded and is said to have sung music in her heart to Our Lord as the music played at her wedding to Valerian. As her new husband attempted to consummate their marriage, Cecelia patiently but curtly explained that she had vowed to remain a virgin for her lifetime. Cecelia had an angel protecting her and told Valerian if he wished to see the angel he would need to travel to the third milestone on the Appian Way and be baptized by Pope Urban. Her trusting husband did as she instructed and upon returning was able to see the angel at her shoulder who crowned Cecelia with rose and lily. Valerian’s brother Tiberius became aware of the miraculous events and was himself baptized. Valerian and Tiberius were later martyred for burying executed saints. Cecelia spent her life converting others and preaching. She was eventually condemned to death. However, the fires did not harm her, the executioner was unable to behead her, and Cecelia was left to bleed. Cecelia bled for three days, after which she died. During those three days she continued to preach, pray, and requested that a church be built on the site of her home. Her body later was found to be incorrupt. Read more about her here: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=34