While we may quibble over our favorite artist, genre or song, we all listen to music in some shape or form. The mystery of music lies in its ability to fill the silence in our lives and give it life: a life of emotion and intention. As humans, we possess somewhat of a natural capacity for music, because it allows us to express our innermost thoughts and desires. Music, however, not only allows us to connect with ourselves, but also with others, by pouring forth the emotions and thoughts present in the depths of our hearts.
This expression of emotion is particularly important spiritually. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI writes, “When man comes into contact with God, mere speech is not enough” (The Spirit of the Liturgy). Indeed, our mere existence falls short of expressing our gratitude and thoughts to God. We turn to music, then, to invite our brothers and sisters to sing along with us to Our Lord and Father.
This music, in which we are communicating with God, can consequently be understood as holy. Moreover, this sacred music is a complementary part of the liturgy and aids in its purpose, namely, the glorification of God, as well as the edification and sanctification of the faithful. The integral component of sacred music is the text. The rubrics typically indicate and propose liturgical texts that are pertinent for the understanding of the faithful. Moreover, it is essential that the texts conform with Catholic doctrine and draw from Scripture and liturgical sources. The combination of texts and a suitable melody allows the texts to create a poignant effect and the faithful to be “more easily inspired, better disposed to receive the benefits of the grace that comes from the celebration of the holy mysteries” (Instruction on Sacred Music). The melodies that accompany the text, no doubt, are important as well, and must contain the “goodness of form” that is proper to the liturgy.
In the Second Vatican Council constitution, Sacrosanctum Concillium, the council fathers proclaim that Gregorian Chant is the most specially suitable combination of melody and liturgical texts for the Roman liturgy. That is not to say that Gregorian Chant is the best type of sacred music, but rather that “it should be given pride of place in liturgical services” of the Roman Rite (SC). Indeed, sacred music should strive for the Gregorian form; while there can be other kinds of sacred music, they must remain faithful to their chief purpose of complementing the liturgy. In keeping with that, sacred music should be uniquely suited for the liturgy, free from associations with theatres or mainstream culture, and create no negative impressions.
In a similar vein, the council fathers maintain that the pipe organ is specially suited for the Roman liturgy, particularly because it “powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things” (SC). Nonetheless, other instruments may be admitted for use in Divine Worship by the local authority (typically a Bishop), if they “truly contribute to the edification of the faithful” (SC). Whatever instrument is accompanying the sacred music, it is important that it remain secondary to the singing. Instruments should sustain singing, not overpower it. The danger in allowing the instrument full leeway is that the melody becomes the main focus instead of the text, obscuring sacred music’s function in complementing the liturgy.
More and more it becomes clear that music is only sacred if it aids in our dedication and consecration to God and leads us to God and His graces, present in the liturgy. Music can provide opportunities for the faithful to develop insight on liturgical texts and to receive God’s graces during the liturgy. Importantly, however, music in the liturgy can also be detrimental when it falls short of its intention to complement the liturgy. Such music not only fails to focus, but even distracts the faithful from appropriate liturgical participation. There must, then, be appropriate concern and caution in the selection of music for the liturgy. Not all types of music can be a part of the liturgy. Church documents have all made clear what attributes music must have in order to aid the faithful in their participation in the liturgy. The music of the liturgy must be sacred and propel us to our end, ad majorem Dei gloriam (for the greater glory of God).
Featured image courtesy of Jorge Royan via Wikimedia Commons
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