Kelley's Music Notes

In the cold dark hour just before the dawn, the few choir members who actually went to sleep are awakened by those who didn't.  I pray everyone gets a second or third wind to get them through this, the best Mass of the entire year.  At 4:45 a.m. we start to make our way from the Catacombs into the half-darkened Church, just 36 hours before bare and solemn, now gorgeous with gold and white banners and hundreds of flowers. We set up instruments, check microphones, practice the Psalm Response and do a full-fledged sound check.

The congregation begins arriving almost as soon as we do, and by the time we finish our sound check the Church is almost full, with a few more coming in and filling in the gaps.  We pray, and the choir members go to their appointed places for the beginning of our prelude.  Then, when all seems somewhat peaceful and quiet, I give the cue, and Keke runs in, shouting "Hallelujah! Jesus is Risen!"  I see a few people jump in surprise and then the rest of the choir starts running in, shouting "Alleluia! He is alive!"  The music starts at full speed, the choir members run to their spots and continue to shout, "He is alive! He is alive! He is alive!"  The joyful cacophony continues.  Some people appear to be a bit put off by the noise, but most share in the crazy joy we all feel.

For me Easter is way better than Christmas.  It's been like that since I was in high school and my youth minister and choir director allowed me to experience the unbridled joy of Christ's resurrection.  As Deacon Steve said in his homily, if it weren't for Easter we wouldn't celebrate Christ's birth, we wouldn't still mourn his death, we probably wouldn't celebrate Christ at all.  He had to rise from the dead to prove He was more than just a great prophet.  This miracle to trump all miracles is the hugest reason for hope and joy and faith in Jesus Christ! His resurrection is the best gift of all! Not only does it make all that suffering Christ experienced well worth it, it opens the gates of Heaven to all who believe that amazing Paschal Mystery.

As the last of the congregation receives the Body and Blood of the Risen Lord, we sing these beautiful words, as tears blur eyes and clog throats:

"The earth it groans in labor pains, as flowers stretch to heaven above. Your creatures sing the prophet's song, to be a gift of selfless love. The sun is rising in the east, and Your Spirit is unleashed. For everything must die to rise again.

And so we wait in joyful hope for You to come and take us home. And so we join beneath the cross in suffering from whence we go. The greatest act of sovereign grace in the universe displayed. For everything must die to rise again.

On the third day, behold the King. On the third day, death has no sting. On the third day, we're forgiven and reconciled. On the third day, the saints rejoice. On the third day, we lift our voice. On the third day, we're united and glorified."*              

I wish to thank the members of the Youth Choir and PIERCED for the dozens of hours you've given over the last couple of months to make Lent beautiful, "The Nazarene" amazing, and the Holy Triduum extra special.  I know your voices are tired, your fingers have permanent marks from the guitar and bass strings, piano keys and drum sticks. Thanks to Dirk and Stacy for faithfully setting up, running sound and power points and tearing down and thanks to Luis for running "The Nazarene" slide show. Thanks to the parents who drive your students between Church and home so often there are ruts in the road, who wait patiently when rehearsal runs late, who bring treats to sustain us and who support us so steadfastly. Thanks to my husband, Ed, and my partners in crime, I mean ministry, David, Sue, Kristi and Christy for all your support. Thanks to Fr. Andrew, Fr. Marlon, the Deacons, Jeff and Debbie for all your help and support.

Most importantly, thanks to our beautiful Risen Lord.  All glory, praise and honor be Yours! Alleluia! Amen!

*Words excerpted from "On The Third Day" by Matt Maher and Marc Byrd 2006 spiritandsong.com/Meaux Mercy/Storm Boy Music/Thankyou Music CCLI License #1989117