Meister Der Braunschweig Magdeburger Schule

Today we will be examining the third and final key in the art of the renewal of sacred music. The three keys which I have proposed, again, are 1.) our ongoing personal conversion, 2.) the pursuit of wisdom in regard to sacred liturgical music, and 3.) the faithful application of this wisdom by each person, within his or her sphere of authority and responsibility. [i] Certainly one could reflect, write, and speak at much greater length about each of these – and in the coming year or two, I will return to them as we explore the many other facets of Catholic liturgical music and its renewal.

But for now, let's look more closely at the third key, which is the diligent application of the wisdom we have pursued and cultivated regarding sacred music and its renewal. While it is closely related to the first two keys, it nevertheless represents a distinct door through which we must enter. And as obvious as it may seem, this essential step can be very difficult, and easy to dismiss in the face of the numerous conflicts we may face. Indeed if we take seriously the call to conversion and wisdom, do we expect our life and work to be easy? Will we not rather be frequently called to swim vigorously against the current of popular trends and ways of thinking? But this is the way of enduring joy and peace, and it is the way of integrity and Christian discipleship. Let's look at how this applies to people in various positions; I'm going to speak here as if somehow we could be gathered together for an important family conversation in one large living room:

Bishops and Priests: you are the ones with the authority and responsibility to lead the rest of us, step by well-ordered step, in the way of conversion, wisdom, and renewal - including the renewal of sacred music. We know that you face many difficulties, and that in today's world the path of fidelity is often also the path of a kind of living martyrdom. But to the best of our humble capacities, empowered by grace, many of us desire to stand with you and support you on this path of fidelity. And in the midst of your great challenges, please let us share the burden of these challenges, and let us know the specific ways in which we can be of the most assistance.

Music directors and church musicians: (I speak mainly to the younger among us, as for veterans the things which I say here might very well seem to be obvious:) The frame in which you must work is docility to the explicit and implicit guidelines laid down by your Pastor. At the same time, you have the responsibility to provide the Pastor with much-needed input from your own study, training and experience. If the Pastor places his confidence in your well-formed perspective, is willing to work closely with you on prudential decisions, and provides his steady support in the face of parish political pressures, you have a great opportunity to make significant progress in the task of renewal. We will be addressing many of the practical aspects of this work in more detail over the coming months.

If, at the other extreme, you and the Pastor are unable to establish such a healthy working relationship, there is likely to be a deep tension that will result either in your dismissal, your resignation, or a state of chronic disharmony. In the latter case, the serious music director becomes ironically the most handicapped player in the work of renewal. But even in this awkward if not agonizing situation, you can still contribute to the work of renewal in the universal Church. Certainly through prayer and the offering to God of the sufferings that are being endured. But in many cases, and as time permits, there can also be opportunities to engage in associations, Liturgies, and events outside of one's official duties, through which one can find support and the occasion for fruitful work.

The lay faithful who are not involved directly in liturgical music of their parish, but who wish to contribute to the work of renewal: By your fidelity in the first two keys - personal conversion and the pursuit of wisdom regarding sacred music - you become a source of edification, wisdom, and encouragement for others. You become a light that can illuminate others, as you humbly but graciously engage clergy, musicians, and parishioners in fruitful conversation. And regardless of whether or not you are a musician, you can become a bearer of the Logos of sacred music (its reasonable and well-ordered principles), which by their beauty and truth can help others to find their way forward.

Finally in summary: the art of the renewal of Catholic sacred music is one in which all of us can participate, through the three efficacious keys described above: our commitment to personal conversion, our pursuit of wisdom regarding sacred music, and our faithful application of these in our own proper sphere of responsibility. Bishops, priests, and church musicians all have a solemn duty to lead everyone else in this renewal, with integrity; all of the faithful are invited to contribute to it according to their capacities and circumstances. As mentioned earlier, we know that our fidelity does not guarantee success in worldly terms. But it does give us the firm assurance that at the end of the day, we can be at peace for having done our own part well. I love the way my friend and colleague David Clayton puts it:

Every single one of us, ordinary Catholics leading ordinary lives, can be extraordinary people following our supernatural and joyful calling, leading others onto the Way of Beauty. [ii]

Wishing everyone a most blessed and merry Christmas! I will take a break next week for the holiday, and then resume my regular schedule in early January.

[i] These three keys are not meant to exclude other considerations, but rather are my humble attempt to summarize the counsel of the Scriptures and Sacred Tradition into an order that is concise, understandable, and easy to remember.

[ii] David Clayton is the author of The Way of Beauty and Provost of Pontifex University.

The Art of Renewal - Part III