music – Writing to Pray

Psalm 128, or 105
Luke 2:22-40

Music and song was used throughout the history of Judaism. Miriam, Deborah and others sing to commemorate and celebrate, to offer public witness and praise to the Lord for the blessings and gifts He bestows upon His chosen people. Songs documented in the Old or New Testament, within a book other than the Book of Psalms, are called canticles. Simeon’s Canticle, his words to Mary in this gospel moment, are used daily in the evening prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours, (Compline). This intuition to witness and praise the Lord through music has existed throughout humanity’s history.

Catholic doctrine makes clear we have a responsibility to teach the faith. How might our efforts shift in tone, tenor and effectiveness, if we understand scripture and doctrine, words and actions, compassion and justice as music and song?

Making music requires listening; the structures and rules of musical composition pull the musicians together. Explicitly explained through the concepts of common good and solidarity, Scripture and doctrine teach us everyone’s part matters. I might ask myself, am I in tune and in tempo with the other musicians? How are our various parts are woven together?

We need also be mindful of our own musicianship. A music teacher once told me I was playing notes, but needed to allow the arc of the phrase to move the music. The same teacher said, “Music is what happens between the notes.” I suspect the silence between the notes is the Holy Spirit, the presence of the Lord.

Time in contemplation, writing as prayer, or biblical and doctrine study, give us the chance to listen to Him internally and intentionally. We can then adjust our words and actions so, when in the hustle-and-bustle of our external world, we can remain in tune with the silence between the notes more consistently.

Journal Questions:

Simeon’s opening words, nunc dimittis in Latin, translate, now dismiss, indicate his belief that he has fulfilled his heart’s desire and is ready to die (10). This canticle is prayed every evening by many. Upon review of my day, could I say these words? What do I need to do tomorrow so I could say them tomorrow night?
Does the idea of scripture and doctrine, words and actions, compassion and justice as music and song resonate with me? If it does, I might explore the metaphor by asking myself:

Do I listen? Do I hear the music of others’ hearts, beyond or behind their words and deeds? Am I in tune and tempo with them? How might it all be woven together?
In what circumstances have I played notes; when have I followed the arc of the phrase? What factors were involved? How did it end?
How does my awareness of the silence between the notes effect the music?

Tag: music

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