August 14 The Heart of St. Paul
We do not know whether or not St. Paul had a good singing voice, but he was always exhorting his disciples to sing to God. In the Letter to the Colossians, he writes: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:16)
When persons are filled with the love of Jesus Christ, they can raise their voices in songs of praise to God for Jesus Christ. When people’s hearts are heavy with sorrow and suffering, raising their voices in sorrowful laments lightens their burdens. Jesus Christ has sent the Holy Spirit upon all believers so that they might be instruments of his divine music. The melodies and musical notes stir the depths of human hearts to express in a more intense way what they feel and believe.
The song of God’s love that the Holy Spirit pours into human hearts needs to come out. The gift of music offers blievers a unique way to communicate the depths of their hearts to God. St. Augustine must have had St. Paul in mind when he wrote, “He who sings, prays twice!” God’s words to his people are music from his Sacred Heart to their hearts. May the songs, hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord lift our hearts so that we may raise our voices in praise, worship and thanksgiving.
Please pray for all priests and seminarians and support Sacred Heart Radio.
