February 4, 2011
I am saddened
as I ponder the kind of the music many people listen to,
especially younger ones. Many artists sing lyrics and
produce music videos full of impure words, dances and
images. Once in a homily I witnessed smiles and smirks
on the faces of young people after mentioning how sinful
it is watching MTV.
Not long ago on a warm summer day, I pulled up to
a red light and stopped. There was a car to my left, also stopped. It was
one of those long red lights that seemed to last forever. Since the windows
of both cars were opened, I could hear music blaring from the young man’s
car stereo. Sitting next to the driver, who appeared to be a man in his
early 20s, was a little boy around 9 to 10 years old. The lyrics were
sexually charged and full of profanity. I felt horrible for that little boy.
As the car sped away after the light turned green, I was left saddened.
Many upcoming artists have a thirst for fame and
fortune while risking their salvation in the process of seeking it. That
much of the popular music is rotten should not be a surprise since good and
bad music have existed from the beginning of time. Why? Because creation has
fallen because of Original Sin, our bodies are no longer properly subject to
our souls. We need to cooperate with God’s graces to avoid sin and grow in
holiness.
One of the earliest written accounts of bad music
was heard by Moses and Joshua after Moses had received the commandments and
was returning to the house of Israel on the base of the mountain. The Lord
God said to Moses, "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the
land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves" (Ex 32:7). As He descended and
approached the people, he heard music and dancing as the rebellious
Israelites were found dancing around the golden calf made by the hands of
Moses’ brother Aaron (Ex 32:4, 19).
As for good music, David played the lyre (1 Sam
18:10), the psalms were meant to be sung by the music of the lyre and harp
and in heaven we will be singing a new song" (Rev 5:9).
That said, if you are ready to hear some great
music, I am excited to invite you to our 8th annual Trumpet Fest
Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. which will be held at the Pius X High School gym
at 6000 "A" Street in Lincoln. Every year Kevin Murray of Murray’s for Men
of Stature coordinates this wonderful event. This year’s performers include
Mac McCune, Kevin Murray, Barb Schmit, Darryl White, third-grader Maria
Pytlik, UNL trumpet studio students and more. Every year I am amazed at the
talent and quality of the music. Always a treat is the ‘joint jam session’
at the end. During the event, a hat will be passed for a free-will offering
which will help us assist poor and needy individuals and families across the
diocese. I hope to see you there for a little dose of ‘good music.’ Thanks
for your love for Jesus who lives in the poor and please remember you are in
our prayers!
Father Christopher Kubat
Catholic Social Services
402-474-1600
frckubat@cssisus.org