Friday, August 25, 2006

The Wisdom of David Haas

I have recently read a online report on the National Pastoral Musicians Western Regional Convention in Sacramento, USA. By all accounts it sounds like the occasion was an excellent gathering of liturgists and musicians. I wish I could have been there.

It seems to me that we need up-front and wise figures in liturgical music circles at the moment. Keynote spreaker David Haas [pictured] had this to say about the current *political* climate of liturgical music in the Catholic Church:

"We need to resist going down the black hole of anger regarding how we translate our texts, what we will sing, or which musical styles are most appropriate for our Masses,"

and later,

"We have to stop fighting, put down our swords, truly love one another --- intentionally and unconditionally --- and listen to one another in love," he said. "Because these debates are tearing us apart."

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in the amount of discussion about what types of music should be used for liturgy and whether certain types of music should be banned. This seems to originated from the comments made by Benedict XVI at a concert conducted in the Sistine Chapel, on Saturday, June 24, by Monsignor Domenico Bartolucci.

What has been of particular concern is the amount of 'ear play' that some sections of the media have had in suddenly thinking that they have the right to claim that all musical instruments that resemble any whiff of modernity will soon be outlawed by the Pope. Also of concern is the level of malice that has been sprewked by some in regards to musicians and exponents of post-Vatican II liturgical music. I wish there was something that could be done to stop the venom such writers have for those whose expression of faith is different to their own. I may very well be an open fan of David Haas and Marty Haugen and use their music to a great extent...but I don't hate other musical forms and those who have composed them and contributed to the 2000 tradition of the Church. I don't understand where a lot of these people are coming from.

Another thing that has been niggling me a bit lately has been the frantic and almost frenzied speed that some bloggers and journalists jumped up to say that because the Pope said a few words at the aforementioned concert at the Sistine Chapel in support of the tradition of music in the Church, that whatever he said is now rule and law of the Catholic Church.

I think all of us could do with a greater sence of restraint and disgression until the Pope has issued an official document that speaks to the ongoing development and reform of the liturgy and the music that is intergral to its celebration. It seems to me that that we should be careful not to lose our understanding of the work 'infallible' everytime the Pope opens his mouth.

Don't get me wrong. I think the Pope says some very striking and moving things (see: Deus Caritas Est)...but even the Pope's opinion is merely that. Opinion. Until he places his authoritive stamp in the form of a Papal Bull or some other official document, is it worth any of us squabbling over things that are not set in stone?

I think anyone who speaks of a loving response to our neighbour deserves big respect. David Haas speaks to this with authority and open, loving invitation. Jesus did the same. Let this Wisdom find its way into the hearts of all who are willing to listen.