What are the concrete attributes of sacred music?
The Catechism (CCC 1157) teaches that sacred music fulfills its task
according to three criteria: 1) the beauty expressive of prayer 2) the
unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and
3) the solemn character of the celebration. All three criteria link
sacred music intimately to the work of Christ in the liturgy and in our
hearts.
The
beauty expressive of prayer. As we have seen, sacred music is the
Church’s liturgical prayer in sung form. When we hear sacred music, we
hear prayer. We hear the liturgy itself. In the Mass, we hear that most
beautiful of prayers: Christ’s prayer of self-offering to the Father.
Music can express any number of things; but sacred music expresses
something utterly unique: the saving and sacrificial prayer of Christ
and the Church in the liturgy.
Unanimous
participation. As I addressed in previous articles on the new English
translation of the Mass, liturgical participation is primarily
participation with and in Christ Himself, rooted by the deep interior
participation of each person. Sacred music powerfully aids us in this
union of the heart and mind with whatever liturgical action is taking
place exteriorly. “Unanimous” means “of one mind/soul”; thus sacred
music aims to unite us all to the soul of Christ in perfect love for the
Father at every step of the Mass.
Solemn
character. In the sacred liturgy, Christ our Lord performs the work of
our redemption through sacramental signs. The liturgy then is a solemn
experience, and therefore sacred music bears this character. Far from
meaning cold, unfeeling, or aloof, the solemn character of sacred music
refers to its earnest, intense, and festive focus on the great Mystery
which it serves: Christ’s redemptive and transformative love for His
Church.
http://www.catholicsun.org/bishop/2011/121511.html
http://www.catholicsun.org/bishop/2011/121511.html
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