Day by day and for the first time in my life, I get a bit further in my personal reading of the Old Testament section of the Holy Bible (Catholic). I'm in 1 Chronicles 25:1 right now. It's elating for me to think that Mary, our great Jewish Mother and the Mother of Jesus Christ, was so dedicated in her own personal study and fidelity to God, to the teachings of Jewish Scriptures.
A musician most of my life, I am struck by how many times I see the word "cymbals" and other words referencing musical instruments, but especially "cymbals."
This morning, wanting to see perhaps how many times the word "cymbals" is used in the Bible, I did a Google search and I came across the following blog post instead:
God Loves to Reveal Himself Through Music by Dave Cover
It's worth the read, especially to anyone who sings or plays music or perhaps is thinking about playing music or singing in the future.
I think this biblical/historical tie speaks volumes for the power of rhythm and music in persevering to unite people in love and celebration all over the world; activities that glorify God - -music made in praise, worship, celebration, and best of all, LOVE!
Here's what my own church, the Catholic Church teaches about the subject of music in her Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)- Part Two, The Celebration of the Christian Mystery,( …..anyone with a new YouCat? Please comment if music is referenced here.)
- importance of songs and music (CCC 1158)
- liturgical music as Church's treasure (CCC 1156)
- Sign function in the liturgy (CCC 1157)
Sadly, like wealth, art, food, and fashion, rhythm and music can also be used for the profanation of man. I've seen it used to incite rebellion and instigate overt sensuality and I have seen it performed preceding horrible acts of genocide and war.
For my part, I would like to join the focus on using rhythm and music for the love of neighbor and community, celebration, increasing virtue while decreasing vice; i.e. playing rhythm and music to glorify God!
So, from time to time, I will try to give you or point you to a few simple rhythms here; like the Tumbao. These rhythms originate from all over the world. Play them alone or in community with your family and friends. Practice them throughout the day perhaps preceding meditation or prayer. Whether you have an instrument or not, play these rhythms on a table top, in union with your own community or in union with the saints, the Old Covenant cymbal players, most of all, play these rhythms for the glory of God!
