Spotting sings of hope

From this week's Sunday Message at the church of The Three Patrons, Rathgar.

Michael Commane

Two Sundays ago there was no music at the 18.15 Mass. It is only when there is not music at Mass one realises how it plays such an uplifting role in the celebration of the Eucharist.

On that particular Sunday only one of the musicians was available and we decided there would be no music. May I take this opportunity to compliment the women who give of their music talents every week at the Sunday evening Mass. Indeed, all our musicians, who add to our Sunday liturgy, deserve high commendation for what they do.

Even I, who has not a note in my head, greatly appreciate the value of having music at Mass. I remember when I first went to Germany discovering that the Germans sing at every Mass, even at a 06.30 weekday Mass. 

Back to two weeks ago when we had no musicians at Mass. Before the final blessing I suggested/asked/coaxed the congregation if we would all try to sing the hymn on the Sunday leaflet as our final parting. 

Not being a singer myself I could not lead. It turned out that there was a powerful response and I got the impression everyone in the church was singing. 

It makes such a difference when people join in during the celebration of the Eucharist. With the slightest of invitations or promptings, people are only too willing to join in and become part of the ceremony.

And that does not just apply to music. It goes right across the spectrum with everything to do with all church celebrations.

Whether it is Eucharistic ministers, readers of the Word, people bringing gifts to the altar, whatever the task is, the more people, who actively participate in our Sunday and weekday liturgies, the more meaningful and prayerful it is for all of us.

More and more people appear to be joining in in the prayers we say at Mass. It makes such a difference when the prayer responses are acclaimed aloud. So too, with the Gloria and the Creed, it makes far more sense when we all join in in a public manner in praying these prayers.

Nobody at Mass is an anonymous spectator. The Mass is the community coming together to pray the greatest of prayers. It is communion at its best.

Every day I come to this church I am noticing shoots of great hope.

What do you think?