The Sweetest Sound

Of music and song, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, had this to say, "Such songshave power to quiet the restless pulse of care, and come like the benedictionthat follows after prayer."

As a young child, I recall listening attentively to how our parish priest notonly sang the mass, but the Latin he used. Unless one understood Latin, forall we knew the priest could have been singing his weekly grocery list!Despite the fact most parishioners could not audibly comprehend what wasbeing said, the music was somehow still able to convey a sort of sacredreverence that was clearly seen on the faces of all who listened.

This was many years ago, and thankfully, most churches now realize theimportance of members not only understanding what is going on duringservices, but being active participants in the mass as well. While I havealways enjoyed the musical aspect of the worship service, I never fullycomprehended or appreciated its purpose, until now, that is.

Having moved to a new state several months ago, and needing to find a newchurch home, the new church I soon began attending sang songs, I, in no way,was familiar with. At first, while others sang, I stood quietly, for afterall, I didn't know the melodies of these songs. Several church visits later,I decided that remaining silent would not help me in ever learning the songs,so, hesitantly, I opened my mouth and began to sing ever so quietly. Behindme, I could hear lovely voices and a few not so lovely voices. When I heardthe lady behind me screech off key, I thought to my self, "My goodness! Hasshe no shame? How can she sing so loudly knowing how horrid her voice is!"And then, it hit me. As if a reprimanding voice waved a finger in my face, I suddenly UNDERSTOODwhat the music and song was about! It was not about good voices or badvoices, or knowing or not knowing the words or melodies! The songs weresongs of praise and thanksgiving to One who is worthy of praise andthanksgiving! The gift of our own personal song was not only a gift of lovetoward God, but a gift that took genuine heart and courage to share openlyand boldly! Now I understood the songs of the congregation, but what of the priest?

Again, new light has radiated into dark corners, for now I fully understandthe love and courage these men and women who have devoted their lives to Godmust possess in order to be able to stand before a crowd, and sing, oftenunaccompanied by music, while all ears and eyes are on them. It is not aneasy task, and in fact, takes a certain degree of humility.

"Well," I thought to myself, "If he can do it alone, then the least I cando is join in, because, after all, are we not ALL here to offer praise,worship, and thanksgiving?"And so, even though it's been ages since I've used my near soprano voice, andI'm certain some poor child has similarly held her ears in horror as Iattempted to hit notes I haven't hit since high school musical theater class,I joyfully join the throngs in their soulful chorus to One who is worthy ofthis most intimate gift of song.

Today, as you use your mouth to orally communicate to friends and loved onesaround you, won't you also consider lifting up your voice to the One who ismost worthy to be praised? His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr