Why does the Church sing the Mass? Dr. Brant Pitre traces sacred music from the Temple of Solomon to the heavenly liturgy of Revelation — and the criteria that make music truly sacred.
Sacred Music in the Mass: From the Temple to the Heavenly Liturgy
The Roman Missal attaches "great importance" to singing and prefers, especially on Sundays, a sung Mass (Missa in cantu) shaped by "progressive solemnity." Dr. Pitre uncovers the biblical roots: King David appointing "the service of song" (1 Chronicles 6:31), the Levitical choir and instruments (1 Chronicles 15; 2 Samuel 6:5), the Psalms as a book of "Praises," the antiphonal singing of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:10-11), Jesus singing a hymn at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30), and the "new song" of the heavenly liturgy (Revelation 5:8-10). He then follows the tradition through the daily Levitical chant of the Mishnah, the Alleluia and antiphons of Popes Damasus and Celestine, St. Augustine's tears at the Church's hymns, and St. Gregory the Great's Antiphonary — closing with the Catechism's three criteria of authentic sacred music.
Key passages & sources examined: Exodus 15:1-21; 1 Chronicles 6:31-42; 15:21-22; 16:7-37; 2 Samuel 6:5; Ezra 3:10-11; Sirach 50:18; Matthew 26:29-30; Ephesians 5:18-19; Revelation 5:8-10; GIRM nos. 39-41; Musicam Sacram; Mishnah Tamid & Arakin; St. Augustine, Confessions 9-10; St. Gregory the Great; CCC 1157.
What are the biblical roots of sacred music? From the Song of Moses and Miriam to David's Temple choirs and the "new song" of Revelation — Dr. Pitre shows how singing has belonged to worship from the beginning.
What are the three criteria of authentic sacred music? The Catechism names beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly, and the solemn character of the celebration (CCC 1157). The session explains each.
Why does the Church prefer the Mass to be sung? The video examines the GIRM's principle of "progressive solemnity" and why singing belongs especially to Sundays and feast days.
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I subscribed and offered payment
but I have received nothing I requested???
Please advise
dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
I subscribed and offered payment
but I have received nothing I requested???
Please advise
dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
