Sing to him a new song

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Sg 2:8-14; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Notes

There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us. Sing to him a new song.

The Extraordinary World of Music and the Mind

Our brains remember music in entirely different ways than they remember moments, conversations or visual scenes. And with that growing understanding, doctors are discovering new ways music can be used for health and healing. In particular, playing familiar music is proving a vital tool in helping people with dementia. You may not have a subscription, you youngin’. But here are the list of songs they offer that seem to light up the brain from end-to-end including Brain stem, Motor centers, Language centers, Auditory cortex, Emotional centers, and visual systems.

1. “Hey Jude”
2. “Fly me to the Moon”
3. “Let me call you Sweetheart”
4. “Rocket Man”
5. “She Loves You”

Source: https://press.aarp.org/press-releases?category=791

Summary

In today’s gospel portion Elizabeth teaches us a profound truth about John and Jesus. They met – in the womb and one day in the crib. And they communicate, all of them; Elizabeth, Mary, John and Jesus. I wonder what songs Mary sang to him? We should not be afraid for our lives. Jesus is with us before he was born so to speak. We remember Jesus is coming in five days as a memorial. Yet he has always been here too.

Reflection

Christmas music, the type that remembers the nativity, the Magi, the Sheperds, the Holy Family, the Angels, and the hosts of heaven connects with us in the inner most reaches of our person. Yet we are missing one song. We have Elizabeth’s song today, but I don’t hear your song. Why not sing to the Lord a new song? Start with the good Christmas songs you know, or used to know. Sing them! Then write your own.

Personal Reflection

If song can ease the symptoms of dementia, than holy songs can dispel the fears we have. My favorite is Pentatonix, That’s Christmas to Me. Besides their amazing vocal range and skill, it invokes in me the most happy of memories and the promise of salvation in Jesus.

First Reading

“O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”

Responsorial

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Gospel Acclamation

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

Gospel

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry