“Sing to him a new song, sing to him with joyful melody. Every one of us tries to discover how to sing to God…If you were asked, ‘Sing to please this musician,’ you would not like to do so without having taken some instruction in music, because you would not like to offend an expert in the art. An untrained listener does not notice the faults a musician would point out to you. Who, then, will offer to sing well for God, the great artist whose discrimination is faultless, whose attention is on the minutest detail, whose ear nothing escapes? When will you be able to offer him a perfect performance that you will in no way displease such a supremely discerning listener? See how he himself provides you with a way of singing. Do not search for words, as if you could find a lyric which would give God pleasure. Sing to him ‘with songs of joy.’ This is singing well to God, just singing with songs of joy…Such a cry of joy is a sound signifying that the heart is bringing to birth what it cannot utter in words…Your heart must rejoice beyond words, soaring into an immensity of gladness, unrestrained by syllabic bonds. Sing to him with jubilation.”

Music adds another dimension of beauty to the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours—it offers us another wonderful way to worship and praise God. While we’re called to literally sing when we worship at Mass (the Church calls for “full, conscious, and active participation” in the Mass), we can also “sing” spiritually to God by living our lives fully with humility, joy, and love for others (Sacrosanctum Concilium). When we do so, those struggling with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments can, by God’s grace, join in on our joyful song of praise to Our Lord on the road to freedom.

Reflection Questions

• Consider how words that come from the mouth can both uplift as well as harm. In recovery, we have slogans to remind us to be cautious of what comes from our mouths. Give examples of how you’ve guarded your tongue since joining recovery.
• How does music impact your life and recovery? In what ways do you “sing” to God, both literally and spiritually, with joy in your heart?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Revelation 10:8-11
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Gospel: Luke 19:45-48

Reflection by Kay P.