November 22 2023 - St. Cecilia - Sing a new song unto the Lord

 All throughout the scriptures God’s people are known for making music.  After escaping from the Egyptians and crossing the Red Sea, the people of Israel sang a song exulting the Lord for delivering them from their enemies. Singing was certainly part of Israel's formal worship in both tabernacle and temple. The Psalms bear rich testimony that in joy and sorrow, in praise and lament, the faithful raise their voices in song to God—making music on lutes and harps, and pipe instruments, even with loud clashing cymbals. There’s certainly a time and place for music like that! 

Our Lord in the Gospels is recorded as singing hymns with his disciples on their way to Mount Olivet, after the Last Supper—like a recessional hymn following the first Mass.  

St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, telling them, “be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…”

In the book of the apocalypse, the saints of heaven are depicted standing around the throne of the Lamb, singing. 

We celebrate today the feast of the patron saint of musicians, St. Cecilia. Legend states that after St. Cecilia was arrested and imprisoned for her faith, she was tortured for days. But throughout her gruesome tortures she sang to God, she sang God’s praises. St. Cecilia was able to sing in the face of death because of her Faith. Faith that death is not the end. For that martyrs win an imperishable crown in heaven for their courageous witness. 

For those without faith, death is the worst thing imaginable. But the fearless song of the Christian is itself a witness to Christ’s victory. Death does not get the last word. Christ is victorious. This world—this valley of tears—is but a prelude to everlasting life with God for the redeemed. 

Singing. I never understand why some Christians don’t like to sing. We are told to sing by our scriptures. The Lord himself was a singer of hymns and psalms. The saints are able to sing in the face of death. Song has a powerful ability to help us transcend earthly mindedness. Singing elevates our mood, it lifts our minds and hearts to join in an angelic, heavenly activity in the praise and worship of God. 

Anyone can learn to sing if they want to. Just as anyone can learn to follow Christ. Anyone can learn to love God and trust God enough to sing like the saints in the face of suffering. 

Through the intercession of St. Cecilia, may the Holy Spirit teach us to sing a new song of adoration unto the Lord in witness of the saving Gospel—the victory of Christ—for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That we may endeavor to put our time, talent, treasure, creativity, and devotion into serving the mission of the Gospel. 

For a strengthening of Christian marriages; for an increase in virtue among spouses; for healing in troubled marriages; and for God’s mercy to replace bitterness, resentment, and selfishness. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we pray for the safety of travelers, the peaceful resolution of all family divisions and national hostilities, for protection from disease, and harmony amongst all those who gather; for the lonely and forgotten, and that holy gratitude may fill our hearts and animate our lives.

For the safety of police and firefighters, for first responders, the underemployed and unemployed, for those struggling with addiction, for the incarcerated, for those suffering from depression or burn-out, and for the sick and dying. 

We pray in a special way during this Month of November, for all of the faithful departed, for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, for all the souls in purgatory, and for…

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.