The language of God...

It was a simple question: What is your favourite hymn? And what unfolded was a beautiful cadenza that became a chorus and then a symphony of song and of life. Ian Elmer posed the question and obviously struck a chord. So many people replied, each with their favourite or indeed favourites. There is something of the transcendent in music and song. It seems to open the communication with God, cutting across all our defences, speaking straight to our inner hope and fears, gathering our senses out of their regular zone.

Interestingly the words were recalled and written. Yet in just reading these words the music is evoked and it is possible to sing them(well if they are familiar). While the words have meaning, the music and sometimes the very act of singing, brings a life and a prayer that is not evident in any of the separate components. If we had only had the words would they have spoken to our hearts and souls?

Of course St Augustine expounded that those who sing, pray twice. I think he was trying to capture that altered state of connection in faith, in love and prayer that seems to come with singing hymns, psalms, prayers etc. These songs are often connected to particular times in our lives and they give voice and prayer to that which is often beyond our regular utterance.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. [Romans 8:26]

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to visit a synagogue and as part of the explanation and tour one of the scrolls was unrolled and a piece 'read'. It was a revelation to me as the word was sung. It was the most beautiful experience and an encounter with the word as I had not imagined. Though I have studied much, this was a detail that had been missed.

Yet it makes so much sense. In the text of our bible are so many hymns and psalms. In Luke's gospel there is Mary's Magnificat (1:46-55) followed closely by Zechariah's Benedictus (1:68-79). In 2:14 there is the angels' Gloria and in 2:29-32 is Simeon's Nunc Dimittas. While the words have remained the music is not recorded. Yet these have been set again to music and are well known (Should you be interested to learn more Robert Karris has a book A Symphony of New Testament Hymns Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1996).

For me, music seems to be the language of God and those who can compose it and play it are gifted agents of God.

Life, my journey, my song — unfolds a story
From the womb, love brought me to life
That miracle of life began my journey, my song
Song was sung around me, lulling me to sleep
Helping me to grow and know my song
A story of love, of people, of God
I grew, I walked, I ran, I sang
The song was mine and I could sing it — with joy and sadness
At times the words were gone but the music went on
In my heart and soul the music of life and love and hope
And other hearts joined the song
They sang their life and love bringing sweet harmony
Some found discordant notes but the music went on
Song songs ended - their words sadly silent
Their life story over but their music played on
Sung in memories and dreams
My song so full of joy carried me through the years
Until I lost the melody, forgot the words
And though friends sang gently all around
My heart could not hear a sound
Tears washed the notes from my page
And I sing the words of other songs as I search
The elusive melody of joy
Breat of God, gentle and true, begins the song
That my heart had lost and now sings anew
Voice of life reflected
Now breathes my song back to me
Joy and pain just different notes of the same melody
The journey song of my life

Rosemary

Rosemary Canavan lives in Adelaide. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology and two Bachelors degrees in Theology, the most recent an Honours degree in New Testament studies. She has two adult children.

Photo Credit:
Title photos from stock.xchnge Photographers: G & A Scholiers , Belgium

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Rosemary can be contacted at: rosemary@catholica.com.au

©2006 Rosemary Canavan

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