Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another
in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts
sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Colossians 3:16)
St. Ephrem, whom we celebrate today, a doctor of the Church, saw the great value of songs in our public worship. He has been given the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” He knew, as we all do if we think about it, that songs are useful teaching tools. He astutely used the melodies of heretics’ songs, replacing the original lyrics with orthodox teachings to educate the faithful.
Recently, songwriters have adapted certain songs to teach lessons; for example, the lyrics that mention ‘touching hands’ in Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” have been altered to ‘washing hands’ in light of the COVID pandemic. It is clear that songs convey stories, lessons, emotions, and celebration. Commercials on radio and television use songs or jingles to make consumers want to buy the advertised products. How would little children learn the alphabet without that “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” melody? Everyone likes to hear a story, whether it be a Christian witness story or a parable that a Jesus used in his teaching. A sung story is just the pleasant addition of music. We can listen and learn.
Thanks to St. Ephrem, who promoted songs in public worship in the fourth century, we have an array of spiritual songs that we sing at Mass. I take them for granted sometimes. Those songs often use psalms from the Bible, or quotations from gospel passages. The repetition of those songs in my head can be pleasant vehicles of prayer—-if I am paying attention to the lyrics. Nowadays it is also easy to find an assortment of Christian music on the internet.
Perhaps it could be time to introduce a bit more of a variety into our prayer time. Songs reminding us how God is always present with his mercy, love, and power can be very reassuring in these troubled times. Singing or listening to songs about our grateful love for Jesus can lift us up when we are feeling anxious and give us opportunities for reflection. Why not share a favorite spiritual song with some family members or friends? Instead of
paying it forward, we can
pray it forward in song!
No matter in what key we sing, we can get into the spirit St. Paul urged on the Colossians (3:14):
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
(
Resource: franciscanmedia.org)
The scripture verses are from the
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition
, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.