More than just singing the right notes

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The United States bishops wrote: “Charity, justice, and evangelization are thus the normal consequences of liturgical celebration.” They also said that the assembly’s singing shapes how they live their faith beyond the liturgy: “Particularly inspired by sung participation, the body of the Word Incarnate goes forth to spread the Gospel with full force and compassion” (Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, 9). What this means for music ministers is huge! How well we help the assembly sing affects how fully they will evangelize. Our work requires more than just singing the right notes.

Therefore, let us look at ways we ourselves can bear the good fruit of charity, justice, and evangelization that should be the result of our liturgical singing.

As a choir, participate in works of charity and justice. Volunteer as a group to share the gift of music with the homebound, those in prison, or at shelters, not only at Christmastime but throughout the year. As a group, participate in parish, diocesan, or local activities that raise awareness of issues of injustice. Individually as part of your music ministry service, readily welcome and talk to strangers and visitors before and after Mass and choir rehearsal. As music ministers, don’t end your ministry when the last note is sung, but go and bear fruit that will remain.

This post was first published in “GIA Quarterly: A Liturgical Music Journal.”

Image credit: Dieter_G on pixabay.