Memorial of St. Augustine

August 28 - Memorial of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church has many incredible writings and commentaries. I am only just beginning to delve into a small piece of his work; I know I have much to learn. What I do know is something that came up in a recent study of the document "Sing to the Lord:  Music in Divine Worship."

'As St. Augustine says, "Singing is for the one who loves."

Further investigation led me to the following reference:

Qui enim cantat laudem, non solum laudat, sed etiam hilariter laudat; qui cantat laudem, non solum cantat, sed et amat eum quem cantat. In laude confitentis est praedicatio, in cantico amantis affectio…For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyously; he who sings praise, is not only singing, but also loving Him whom he is singing about/to/for. There is a praise-filled public proclamation (praedicatio) in the praise of someone who is confessing/acknowledging (God), in the song of the lover (there is) there is deep love.

Wow.

What a beautiful circle of music; we sing to praise God Who is Love, whereby our song is elevated and expresses love of God (Love personified) and love of neighbor.  Golden Rule anyone?

I think I feel like singing :-)

Prayer - Lord, help me to realize, as St. Augustine did, the very essence of our song is to praise You, and by doing so, we are expressing our love for You.  You take our ordinary action and transform it into something extraordinary.  May I not take that for granted.