La Música litúrgica en la reflexión sobre el Misterio Pascual

Abstract

If “the music is an integral part of the solemn liturgy” (SC 112) it is tremendously important that during the crucial ceremonies at churches, particularly those involving liturgical celebrations, it would become its clear sign. Since, when we prepare liturgical music we always draw our special attention to: liturgical year, namely, to a particular season, feast or celebration, examining the contents of the holy mass antiphon (referring to entrance songs and the holy communion), the mass order, the collect and the readings, especially the Gospel. And this entire content of liturgical prayers and readings is to be reflected through music of the celebrations. Therefore the music becomes integral because its role is not merely supplementary, complementary, substitutive nor decorative, but incorporated in liturgy with which it is inextricably linked. Music springs from liturgy and leads to liturgy. It enriches mass liturgy, makes it more grandly and clearly rendered.

It should be no different during the Easter Triduum for which the music ought to be even more thoroughly prepared as for the most important season of the liturgical year, that is, the Feast of Christ, suffering, crucified and resurrected. As it is the greatest event of the mystery of redemption observed here and now. The importance of the Easter Triduum was indicated by Pope Benedict XVI during his General Audience on 19 March 2008. May his words serve as the conclusion of my speech:

These three days are commonly known as ‘holy’ because they allow us to re live the event central to our Redemption. They lead to nucleus of Christian faith: the passion, Heath, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These three days could be considered as one single day. They make up the heart and are the key to both the liturgical year and the life of the Church. … Remembering the mysteries of Christ also means a willing and complete adherence to the history of today, convinced that when we celebrate, it is vivid and present reality… These holy days reawaken a great hope in us: Christ was crucified, yet he rose again and conquered the world. Love is stronger than hate, it has triumphed and we should affiliate ourselves with this victory of love. We should therefore start again from Christ and work together with him for a world founded on peace, justice and love.