What makes music sacred
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,510
    In his excellent presentations on the new translation of the Mass, Bishop Cupich makes the startling announcement (see part III) that by virtue of our baptism, God lives within us.

    According to St. Thomas, this indwelling is only possible by grace, and itself makes possible activity in accordance with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

    Supposing this is true--God dwells inside of each of the baptized--what kind of music should we sing, and why? Should it be affirming of the self? Affirming of God? Of others? Should it assist recollection? Should it be celebratory?

    http://vimeo.com/17438633
    http://vimeo.com/17443148
    http://vimeo.com/17444182
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    Should it be affirming of the self? Affirming of God? Of others? Should it assist recollection? Should it be celebratory?

    Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.

    All of which can be done while following both the letter and the spirit of liturgical law (albeit, in my view, with a multitude of reasonable interpretations), and without any loss of solemnity.
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,510
    Adam,

    Just to press you a bit, how can the self be affirmed, and how can celebration happen, without losing solemnity?
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    The most self-affirming thing that we can do is acknowledge our dependence on God.
    The most celebratory thing that we can do is enter into the liturgy that is celebrated in Heaven.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    (That is to say... my oft-repeated refrain.... Traditional liturgical practice is the best expression of progressive theology.)
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