Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With the upcoming celebrations of the Triduum, I find myself diligently going through and practicing all the various songs and chants that are such critical elements to those great 3 days. Doing so, helps to reconnect me to the mysteries that the liturgies contain, those sacred moments of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. And while many people comment on the nice singing voice I have, I must admit that it is very nerve-wracking endeavor for me. As much as I like to sing privately, I confess I greatly dislike singing in front of other people. Why then, do I sing so much, especially for the Triduum?
First, let me clarify. This is not a case of false modesty on my part. I am not fishing for compliments about how nice my voice is or what a good job I do singing. I really do get quite nervous singing in front of other people. And while I’ve sung in choirs throughout the years, the particular thing of performing a solo, or cantoring at Mass, or other individual singing is something that I have actively avoided for those same amount of years. I’d practically rather be doing anything else rather than singing in front of lot of people by myself.
But that’s not what the liturgy asks of a priest. In fact, quite often, the priest or deacon is the one who invited to chant or sing in certain moments, to greater and lesser success, regardless of the comfort level of the individual. And this is particular true when it comes to the Triduum. The Triduum is in large measure, the pinnacle of the liturgical year, with extensive and unique elements that often demand singing of the ministers present. Holy Mother Church expects that things like the Passion on Good Friday or the Exsultet on the Easter Vigil be sung. It’s only in last case scenarios that the Church allows such things to be merely recited instead. And so, a very large factor in why I find myself knee-deep in chant during the days ahead is so that the liturgy is as much and as beautiful as its intended to be.
But I also do all that singing for the parish community as well. Could I try and foist these things off on someone else? Maybe. Would it simplify the Triduum for me? Quite considerably. But is that what is being asked of me or is most helpful to our communal celebrations? It is not. And so, I will once again, be practicing up to the last minute and nervous about my singing parts in the days ahead. But I do it out of love of what is being celebrated and for I am able to celebrate with, namely our parish community. I hope and pray that you have a wonderful and holy experience of the Triduum. And that the importance of those sacred days might help remind us all of God’s love for us.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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