Friends, it seems that everyone is allowed to comment on our efforts as Church musicians. No matter how hard we try . . . no matter how hard our singers try, in America, everyone is allowed to comment freely about this or that aspect that, in their view, "could have been better." No matter what experience or knowledge a person has (or lacks), all are allowed to freely tear down and berate our efforts to praise God. Even our friends and family feel compelled to critique our efforts. "The Offertory was off . . . ." Or, "What was wrong with your soprano section?" And, as you know, we are not allowed to respond, "Perhaps if you knew a bit more about music, you would better understand what we're trying to do . . . ."

In the face of such criticism, the words often uttered by one of the great Church musicians of the century cannot be doubted. This musician often reminded his pupils, "The life of a Church musician is a life of sacrifice."

Sometimes, the criticism becomes almost too much to bear.

In those moments, I like to think of St. Noël Chabanel:

Father Paul Ragueneau, Superior of Sainte Marie, perceived the struggle Chabanel was undergoing within him. He alludes to the physical conditions which were breeding the young Jesuit's aversion, then turns the light into the soul of Chabanel: "When, in addition, God withdraws His visible graces and remains hidden, although a person sighs for Him alone, and when He leaves the soul a prey to sadness, disgust, and natural aversions—these are the trials which are greater than ordinary virtue can bear. The love of God has to be strong in the heart not to be snuffed out under such circumstances. Add to this the danger, present at every moment of the day, of being attacked by a savage enemy armed with fire and flames and unheard-of torments, who would more often force you to suffer a thousand deaths before you met death itself. One certainly had to have the strength of the sons of God not to lose courage in the midst of such desolation."

I also like to think of Pope Benedict XVI.

As you know, Pope Benedict DID NOT want to become Pope. He was hoping to retire, and enjoy a peaceful time where he could sit back, pray, and write.

As you also know, Pope Benedict is constantly (and unjustly) criticized by evil and/or misguided people. How many of us have seen blogs where the Holy Father is openly attacked and criticized, 100% unjustly? How many ignorant people feel the need to insult His Holiness, and act as if they know more than he does, and could do a better job if they were the Pope?

Does this stop the Holy Father from continuing to serve God? Do these ignorant criticisms and mean-spirited attacks against His Holiness keep him from doing what's right?

I've noticed that he does not pay attention to these things. He just keeps on going: serving God every day, adoring the Blessed Trinity, praising Jesus Christ, being attentive to the Holy Spirit, admonishing those who persist in sin, and praying for the souls in Purgatory. In other words, he just keeps on doing what is RIGHT. He does not become upset by the unjust attacks hurled against him. He does not let those things keep him from serving God.

I feel that we should imitate Pope Benedict XVI.