Music Sunday Reflections
The reflection this week took the form of three short scriptures, followed by a quote, a short reflection and a question to ponder.
Scripture—Psalm 57:7-8 – New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition)
My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn.
Quote
“Music reveals more than all wisdom and philosophy. It is the mediator between the spiritual and daily life. Music is a doorway, an entrance into a higher knowledge, a knowledge which comprehends humanity, but which humanity cannot comprehend. “
– Ludwig van Beethoven (paraphrase)
Reflection
A religion of answers is a very poor one indeed, it closes the door to mystery and adventure. Music is an antidote to religion enslaved to ego, it refuses to engage in explanation. Music simply invites us into an experience of soul awakening. This is our real need, not answers but the awakening of our souls by beauty. Music asks us to leave our egos at the door and let it have it’s way with us. Jesus called it losing your life in order to gain it. This is true knowledge; it comprehends us but we cannot ever fully
comprehend it. It’s been a source of comfort to artists since the dawn of time.
Question to Ponder
When has a song or a piece of music helped you feel closer to God?
Scripture—Psalm 40:1-3 – Inclusive Bible
Unyielding, I called to you, YHWH, now at last you have stooped to me and answered my cry for help.
You have pulled me out of the pit of destruction, out of its mud and quicksand;
you set my feet on a rock and made my steps firm.
You put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to you.
Many will look on in wonder and so will put their trust in you.
Quote
“I am a hole in a flute that the Christ breath moves through, listen to this music!”
– Hafiz
Reflection
Roman Catholic nun and author Joyce Rupp says this about being God’s instrument—I yearn to have the song of God sung in my soul but…I get so preoccupied with the details and pressure of my schedule, with the hurry and worry of life, that I miss the song of goodness which is waiting to be sung through me. The music of divine love plays uniquely in each person’s life. Through individual personalities and personal life events, the goodness of God takes on a melody all its own. The song of God needs an instrument to give it shape and voice. A piano is just a row of keys until someone touches them into life. A violin remains a mute stringed instrument until someone picks it up and touches the strings with songs. We are all called to be instruments through which the melody of God takes shape. Through our lives God’s love seeks to dance and make music for the world.
Question
When have you felt like an instrument that God was playing?
Scripture—Luke 15:25-28 – New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition)
Here we join one of the most well known stories or parables told by Jesus, the prodigal son, toward the end of the story as the elder responsible son discovers that his father is throwing a party because the younger son has returned home, broke and broken.
“Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.
Quote
“Just these two words God spoke
changed my life:
Enjoy Me
What a burden I thought I was to carry– a crucifix, as did He.
Love once said to me, “I know a song, Would you like to hear it?
And laughter came from every brick in the street And from every pore
in the sky.
After a night of prayer, he changed my life when
He sang, “Enjoy Me.”
Reflection
– Teresa of Avila
The essence of religion, of following God is joy. Not the burden of following a rule- oriented taskmaster, but the joy of relationship with the One who loves recklessly. Is it really that simple? The choice is ours, the music keeps on playing whether we go in or not. We can stand outside with the knowledge and certainty of what we know to be right. But if we are to go inside to where the music and dancing are we have to surrender, give up certainty and self-righteousness for the sake of relationship, give up the satisfaction of standing apart for the joy of coming together. I know a song, would you like to hear it? That is the invitation. Music communicates a great spiritual truth, the end of all seeking is joy.
Question to Ponder
What if God is less like a set of rules and more like a song or a piece of music? What difference might that make?
Rev. Joe Gaspar