Nine Spiritual Nuggets From Our Lady of Lourdes. (Part One)
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One of the rich heritage of the Catholic faith is its plethora of songs and hymns. They are an incredible vehicle of the faith. One way of learning about the Catholic faith is through its music. In fact, the Church acknowledges that “its musical tradition is a treasure of inestimable value.” And yet, this is an underappreciated treasure. In 2016, Rev Fr Herbert Niba, a Cameroonian priest currently studying at the John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C. tapped into the rich legacy and provided daily meditations on songs and hymns wherein he explored the history of particular songs and hymns and their theological and spiritual values. He distributed this on Whatsapp and Facebook where it is now archived. I also admire the work done by Rev Fr Angelbert Chikere, diocesan priest of the diocese of San Jose, California who has a similar initiative called Drive True during which he explores a variety of songs and their meanings decoding their implications for daily living from the comfort of his car.
Many of us love music and particular songs transport us, as it were, to a different plane. In fact, in worship there is a danger of music being merely an aesthetic or even just emotional. Songs and hymns are prayers and in turn they help us pray. For many it is the rhythm and for others it is the lyrics and others still, it is both lyrics and rhythm. This Lent we can tap into this rich reservoir for our spiritual edification
If you have ever gone on a long distance drive, the one thing that makes the journey light is music. This could be mere entertainment. It cheers the soul. It keeps one alive or rather awake. On this journey through Lent, songs and hymns could serve as an accomplishment. The question is: What is your Lenten playlist? You need it! We need it! We have mortgaged this to the choirs and have forgotten to appropriate for personal edification and sanctification. We can begin this Lent by asking ourselves what is your favorite Lenten hymns? Let it speak to you. Let it help you to celebrate Lent.
Having described this season of Lent in Newman’s terms of “Heart speaks to heart” and the necessity of spending an hour with Jesus. Let me share how a favorite Lenten hymn can inspire one to do a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. One of my favorite Lenten hymns is A Hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus translated by Fr Edward Caswall: All ye who seek a comfort sure. While I have not studied this hymn to understand its background, it speaks to me in a real sense. The refrain of the hymn reads:
Jesus who gave Himself for youU p-on the Cross to dieO pens to you His Sacred Heart O to that Heart draw nigh
Sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I can perceive the Sacred Heart of Jesus open to me beckoning on me to draw closer and asking me: What are you seeking for? I could spend time meditating just on this question. What do I want? Jesus, what do you want of me, from me, want me to do? And in the words of the next line: What is the sure comfort I am looking for? What do I need Jesus to comfort me? I am reminded of the Beatitude: Blessed are they who mourn. They shall be comforted. What have I lost? Time. Freedom. Persons. What sorrows vex the mind? What guilts oppress me? I can empty all these to the Sacred Heart Jesus. This song has become an inspiration for my prayer. It is a guide. Hymns and songs serve as inspiration and guides.
St Augustine of Hippo famously remarked that He who sings, prays twice. How come we are not taking great advantage of this. When we sing, we are using one stone to shoot two birds.
Imagine if this Lent you spent time weekly meditating on one Lenten hymn. Imagine you let it guide your prayer life, transform your life. If this becomes a part of our life then we too may end up composing our own hymns and songs. Once again, what is your favorite Lenten song/hymn? What does it mean to you? Build up your Lenten playlist. by meditating on the words of your favorite song. As David Perell in his daily writing tips notes: “Instead of trying to be original, mirror others so intensely that the glitter of their brilliance shines upon your craft. It’s the closest you can get to a conversation with the artist. Aim for perfection but pay attention to your mistakes, for they hold the seeds of your individuality.” imitate and innovate, writes Perell. This Lent, imitate what others have produced in the favorite Lenten hymns. Innovate, if you can.
