🎵 Why We Sing

When I was a boy growing up in a small town, I was as an altar server under a monsignor who, in many ways, reminds me of our own. One Sunday after Mass, he approached me with a gentle smile and asked, "Jeffrey, why don't you sing in Mass?" Feeling a bit self-conscious, I admitted, "Because I don't have a very good voice." With a twinkle in his eye, he replied, "Well then, if you feel God didn't give you a good voice, you should punish Him with it!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of "punishing" God with the very gift He had given me—my unique voice, as personal as a fingerprint. Yet, his words lingered in my heart. Years later, I recalled the wisdom of St. Augustine, who said, "To sing is to pray twice." I mused that perhaps if I didn't like my voice, singing might be like praying four times!

This reflection brings me to the readings for this Sunday, which speak profoundly about giving—not from our abundance, but from all we've got, even when we feel we have little to offer. In the first reading, we meet a widow who, despite having only a handful of flour and a little oil, shares her last meal with the prophet Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies never run out, symbolizing God's endless provision when we give selflessly.

In the Gospel, Jesus observes a poor widow placing two small coins into the treasury. He tells His disciples that she has given more than all the others because she offered all she had to live on. These widows didn't give from surplus; they gave from their scarcity, trusting entirely in God's providence.

Sometimes, participating in Mass feels similar. It's one thing to sing out when you're blessed with a beautiful voice—a gift that undoubtedly enhances our worship and inspires those around you. But how much more profound is it when we sing despite our insecurities, offering our voices to God just as they are? This act of faith mirrors the widows' offerings—a humble gift, rich in sincerity and love.

Psalm 98 tells us: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." It doesn't say make a beautiful noise, or a perfect noise—joyful! God delights in the heartfelt praise of His people, no matter how it sounds to those in the pews around us.

So this Sunday, let us make a joyful noise—even if we don't feel joyful. Let us give from what we've got, even if it doesn't feel like we've got much to give. In this month of remembrance, let us join our voices—imperfect as they may be—with all those who have gone before us in their unending hymn of praise.

Jeffrey Bonilla

Director of Music

St. Monica Catholic Community