Music and the Christian

28 March 2006 Today I was walking home from band with a band mate. I'm not particularly close to him, but we talk once in a while. He suddenly asked me, "Are you Christian?". I was like, "Why?". He said I seemed to have some 'Christian aura', but he guessed that I wasn't. He said I lacked 'responsibility in my music'. I was wondering what the hell he meant. Predictably, he was referring to my lacklustre performance during practices. He advised that I should get more practice. And he's right. I think I should. Wow, so there are people who think that Christians are responsible and not screwed up. Laudate Dominum! I try to be a good Catholic boy, but it's hard. Oh, I gave Pei Suan a Green Scapular today. It's her birthday gift. I'm glad she accepted it. Domine, fiat voluntas tua! Music is good for the soul. It is a work of art, a good recreation. He, who sings, prays twice. It seems like Baptism confers this so-called Christian aura. Can we label this 'aura' as 'grace'? Certain sects believe that Baptism does not confer grace; they believe that it's simply an outward sign. Fools.. It’s not merely their faith that keeps them from harm but their baptismal grace. The best part is that they don’t even realise it. Those confirmed are even more powerful, for they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Sounds good eh? If only everybody in the world made use of their graces, then the world would be a better place. And Legion. Legion is, sadly, becoming a pain in the neck. Another guy left us on Saturday, so now I'm left with 1 over aged chairman (me), a cynical vice-chairman, and a secretary who is taking O levels this year. Excellent. Not to mention that our recruitment has been postponed repeatedly. I must carry it out next week, or it will be the end of us. It's highly likely that I will be appointed as a Curia officer. I wish I could refuse, but the same question comes back to haunt me every time: If I don't do it, who will? I'll possibly join the adults group, though I do not relish the thought of having to listen to aunties preach for several hours during their weekly report. I want to play my own music, but God chooses different songs for me. How can I refuse? To Thee, O God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul, and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him, the salvation of my countenance and my God. I will play his music, though I do not know how to read the notes, nor count the rhythm. At least I have a song. Truly a man is finished when he has no song in his heart. I hear you call my name, Lord,

And I am moved within me.

Your Spirit stirs my deepest self.

Sing your songs in me.