Day 157: God's Word and Sacred Music

"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. the main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. the Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays twice." CCC 1156

In today's reading, the Catechism speaks about Scripture and music in the liturgical celebration of the Mass. God speaks to us through both the Scriptures and the liturgy, which "nourish the faith of believers" (CCC 1154). So much so, that the Catechism teaches that "the liturgical word and action are inseparable both insofar as they are signs and instruction and insofar as they accomplish what they signify" (CCC 1155). As the Catechism Companion, Vol II notes:

In the fullness of the liturgy, there is always a proclamation of God's Word. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit speak to us with words that encourage faith... The Holy Spirit stirs up our faith. He helps us comprehend God's Word. He brings God's amazing deeds to us in the sacraments. What Jesus made possible, the Holy Spirit makes actual. (p. 78)

It is the Church's musical tradition that the Catechism recognizes as being "a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art" (CCC 1156). The Catechism Compendium summarizes this section as follows:

Since song and music are closely connected with liturgical action they must respect the following criteria. They should conform to Catholic doctrine in their texts, drawn preferably from Sacred Scripture and liturgical sources. They should be a beautiful expression of prayer. The music should be of a high quality. Song and music should encourage the participation of the liturgical assembly. They should express the cultural richness of the People of God and the sacred and solemn character of the celebration. “He who sings, prays twice” (Saint Augustine). (#239)

To be perfectly honest, many of the hymns I've seen in the Mass are subpar at best and difficult for me to sing so I sometimes remain silent. Either they are too cultural (akin to cheesy pop music), too high in pitch (more for women than men), or are of questionable doctrinal value. It would seem that we still have some cleaning up to do after the chaos of the "Spirit of Vatican II" days. While I'm far from being an expert on such matters, I'd like to see a revision of this done. Perhaps some more traditional music could be reintroduced. Some Gregorian chants, maybe? Obviously that would require the choir to do so, but it could be done by stereo too. In any event, this from the Catechism Companion should be kept in mind:

The Church has asked us to use music in the liturgy in order to lift our souls to the Lord and bring us into contact with him... The whole goal of liturgical music is to give honor to God and make the people of God holy. (p. 78)

Missa Virgo parens Christi by Jacobus Barbireau