Music can lift us up when we most need it. Yes, some songs are sad or even mournful but there’s plenty of music that drives out darkness and despair. It can give us hope and even inspire us. And, sometimes it can refocus our attention from things and people not worth of it to things that are.
Leave it to Trump to sh*t all over Easter Sunday. And for conservatives either in thrall to him or afraid to stand up to him spreading it around. Maybe he knew before he woke up the American born Pope would, if not specifically naming him call him out. The Pope did in fact point out Jesus taught hope and love, not fear and war. He didn’t have to name drop Trump. Everyone knew that while his message was for the billions of people in the world regardless of their faith, most (even many conservatives) would recognize the criticism of the U.S. President and his policies.
So, as I said Trump took a social media dump on the whole holiday. People can debate whether Easter or Christmas is the holiest, most meaningful day in Christianity. I won’t (never have) get into that type of theological discussion. It suffices to say Easter is at least one of the top two.
I became agnostic decades ago but that doesn’t mean I discount so much of what Jesus preached. His message of faith through works, helping those in need still resonates with me. Modern faux Christians with their Prosperity Gospel and/or Dominionist versions and the even worse White Christian Nationalists who somehow seem to incorporate the worst of both hold sway with this President. And he can say things like he said to day and instead of condemning him they’ll ask for more.
So, with that in mind I think it’s time to point out most Christians don’t think that way. Although I agree with my friends who are religious that it can be difficult to live up to what they are taught, it truly matters that they try. And I have in my life known so many who do. I still do, even if no longer a person of faith. I’m also someone who wasn’t just a “jock” but a musician including singing. Music alone, without any words can move me deeply. As can music with lyrics including religious music.
So it is with Handel’s Messiah, an Oratorio that is commonly performed either in whole or in part at both Christmas and Easter. There are parts that still, after all these decades move me to tears. Including the end which on an Easter Sunday is particularly appropriate. If Trump at least in part ruined your Easter then click play. I give you Worthy Is the Lamb and the Amen Chorus from Handel’s Messiah:
Friends, I know everyone begs you for money. I promise, among all those asking for spare change, we are the smallest and the hardest working. We’re a group of old, disabled people, except for one writer in his mid-50s. The rest of us are in our sixties and seventies, and this is a labor of love. All we’re asking for is the chance to keep telling the truth about Trump and help ensure democracy survives. If you can help, please do. Thank you. Ursula
Thank you Denis.