We hear the moving ancient hymn "Attende Domine" frequently during the season of Lent, especially at TLM masses. It is the cry of repentant sinners imploring God's forgiveness: Attende Domine, et miserere, quia peccavimus tibi: literally, "Take heed, Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against you." The Latin text dates from around the tenth … Continue reading Attende Domine: More Music for Lent
Do You Consider Yourself a Leper?
A few years ago, during a previous Lent, I attended a mass in which the Gospel reading came from Matthew 8, which included the following passage: . . . and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand … Continue reading Do You Consider Yourself a Leper?
Confession, Jonah, and the Prodigal’s Sons
I had never before considered how closely Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son parallels the last two chapters of the book of Jonah, but the comparison is striking. In the Old Testament book Jonah is sent to warn the people of Nineveh to repent their sins, or face the wrath of God. The Ninevites listen to the words of the prophet: like the Prodigal Son himself, they whole-heartedly repent, and in turn receive God's whole-hearted forgiveness. Who could object to that? As it turns out, Jonah could, and does, object . . .
Stabat Mater (Pergolesi)
One of the greatest of Marian hymns is the Stabat Mater, written (most likely) in the 13th century. It's authorship is unknown; it has been attributed to Pope Innocent III (1160-1216) or, somewhat more plausibly, the Franciscan Jacopone di Todi (c.1230-1306), although both are doubtful. The hymn itself begins with Mary at the scene of the Crucifixion: Stabat … Continue reading Stabat Mater (Pergolesi)
Pergolesi’s Miserere – Monday Music for Lent
This is a very different musical interpretation of Psalm 51 than we saw last week in Allegri's Miserere. In Allegri's composition the intensity of the soaring, unaccompanied voices lead us to contemplation of the Divine Mercy of God in Heaven. Here the urgent, dramatic orchestration pulls us down into King David's turbulent emotions as he comes … Continue reading Pergolesi’s Miserere – Monday Music for Lent
What’s Up With Chocolate and Lent?
The last thing we need is conflicting messages, don't you think? Especially when it concerns the State of our Souls. Imagine my dismay, then, when I came across two different signs at two different churches telling me to do opposite things to observe Lent. . . . one tells me to give up chocolate, the other says the opposite. Well now, should I or shouldn't I?