MUSIC: A Responsibility, Divine Gift or Language?

MUSIC : A responsibility, Divine Gift, or Language?

Many musicians, both professionals and amateurs alike, have said that to play or perform music is something divine. A divine task; A divine gift; Time and time again, it is said that music is a gift from God. Indeed, it is. We, as music ministers of the Pilgrim Church here on earth, have come to recognise this divine gift within the depths of our souls. By coming forward to serve Him through music, we can see how we begin to tacitly accept and acknowledge this divine gift. Therefore, we have also realised that we need to utilise this divine gift that we have received. We give what we have received.

It is also a common understanding that music is able to transcend the human soul and to speak to the listener's heart and express what words can not. Thus, music is a form of language - a language so divine, so universal and a language that transcends the barriers of race, dialects, nations and even time.

Now, knowing that music is a Divine Gift from God, what would our 'response-ability' be? (responsibility). Yes, we have come forward to serve. That is the first step. But is that all to it?

Like any gift/skill/charism (Yes, Charism because Music is a Gift from the Holy Spirit), it needs practising. Otherwise, you might just loose it or at best, it gets rusty. Practising is one thing but to further develop the gift is another. Sharpening your skills is just as important as practising them. There is always room for improvement and learning. It is not a dead skill.

Yes, we do practise, one might say. We get all the notes right, the tune right, the tempo steady, the rhythm accurate and the diction clear.

But is that all? Is that what music is all about? Is it just about getting the tangibles right? Is it just about fulfilling a chore? Is it just about making sure that it is GIRM compliant? Is it just about making sure we don't make a blunder during mass?

Surely, there is more to it since it is a Divine Gift from God and also a complex language.

Are we able to communicate effectively through this universal language in the universal church? Are we able to communicate what words fail to express? Are we able to heighten the level of worship and praise God through music. We ought to give back what we have received. We also ought to use this gift wisely with great care and prudence so that others may benefit from it. All for the glory of God, and God only.

We need to ask ourselves these questions.

Let us reflect and think deeper.


Chicken and Egg story


Which do you say comes first? Music or musical instruments (to play the music we hear?) Let us examine:

We know that the angels in Heaven sing praises to God. Angels were doing that since before the creation of man. We also know from the Bible that angels use harps and trumpets. We can safely conclude that music is almost as old as the Heavens above.

But still, which comes first? Is it not puzzling?

Now, take a moment and create a tune in your head. A tune which no one has ever heard before - not even yourself. Obviously, since you are now creating it, solely in your head without even humming the tune out loud.

How was it? I am sure it was a nice tune. The tune is now created but nobody knows what you have just composed? Only God knows. Therefore, how is it possible for you to express your beautiful creation? The only way for you to transfer what you have just heard in your head to others is via an instrument. Now try playing the tune you have just composed on an instrument so that others will know what only you yourself earlier could hear. Use your God given instrument - Voice!

This process is an intricate process. It is also a process of sharing. Sharing one's musical ideas to another. How beautiful it is to partake in this process of sharing - a communion of love. A communication which transcends. A transcendental communication so to speak. A communication between the souls.

Now, if one dies and is united with the Church Triumphant in Heaven - does his ability to partake in music activities halt altogether? Surely not, for the esthological man will be singing praises to God in Heaven!

So, really, our musical abilities lies within the depths of our soul. The body, which is also very much part of the human race, is the medium or instrument in which we communicate this musical ideas to one another. Music is a function of the soul and the body. The human race, body and soul "lives" forever (or at least has that potential if he be saved)- so then shall music be forever.

The body remains an integral part of this music making even in heaven. Remember the credo which we profess, "I believe in the resurrection of the body and life ever lasting. Amen"

The tune you have created is created. This tune now exist. What can destroy it? Not even you yourself. Even if you have not shared the tune with anyone and after that forgot the tune altogether, God still remembers it. He knows all things.


CHRIST and Music



Unlike any other art forms, music has somewhat a unique parallel to Christ.

Music is governed by time. There are only so many beats per bar. There are only so many bars per piece of music. A piece of music has a beginning and an end. All in good time. But yet, its effects are timeless. Have you ever had a nostalgic experience whereby you were brought back to a particular moment in time while listening to a particular piece of music or song? Were you touched by any piece of music before? Has it (music) ever stir up emotions within you - made you laugh, cry, smile, and errect goose pimples? See how long lasting the effects of music can be.

Let us look at Christ.

1st Chapter and verse 1 of John's Gospel states : "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."

John 1:14 continues... "The word was made flesh, full of grace and truth, lived among us"

It is so humbling for an Eternal God to be encapsuled by time. 33 years that is. For a moment, God from all eternity subjected Himself to be governed by time and to be born a man, though sinless and perfect in every way. Yet, His saving work is timeless. He not only died for those who were living then but also for those who has gone before Him and yet to come. Those who have gone to their graves before Christ's death on Calvary still may receive the merits of Salvation. He died for all, before and after.

Even after 2000 years, we still experience His death and resurrection like it was yesterday and everyday. Through the Eucharist, the perfect sacrifice on Calvary is repeated again at the alter - the perfect sacrifice of bread and wine.

Also in the memorial acclamation we proclaim His death and resurrection and the second coming of Jesus. Dying you destroyed our death. Rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Without God's grace, there can be no music. So let us take some time daily to thank Him for this Divine and Beautiful gift. We must, as response-able Catholics, make an effort to do justice to this gift that was bestowed and entrusted to us from above.

Let us ask God to grant us humility and wisdom especially when using this gift. We ask for a deeper faith in Him and the courage and strength to do His Holy will. Amen.