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Jesus is Christ,
Album cover by Kanye West (born 1977),
Released 2019,
© Kanye West Music, all rights reserved |
The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’ |
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| Reflection on the Album CoverWhilst in our daily reflections I concentrate mainly on the visual arts, of course music is a beautiful art form as well, drawing us, probably like no other art form, deep into the mystery of our faith. From early biblical times we see song and music at the heart of worship and devotion, songs of thanks, songs of mercy, songs of lament, etc… The 1963 document of the Second Vatican Council (Sacosanctum Concilium) states: “the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other form of art… sacred music increases in holiness to the degree that is intimately linked with liturgical action, winningly expresses prayerfulness, promotes solidarity and enriches sacred rites with heightened solemnity”.
Ok, so what then about modern Pop or Rap music, and more specifically the recently released Kanye West album titled “Jesus is King”? Kanye West is one of the world’s most influential music artists, with him earning last year alone $117 million in sales. Young people look up to him, follow him, imitate him. Last night, I read the lyrics of his latest album, and on the whole most songs are praising Our Good Lord, but of course it is also interspersed with some more problematic lines which we wouldn’t necessarily agree with. He is a man searching, seeking in a very public way and sharing his Christian conversion which is an ongoing process. If through his music he may inspire to bring young people closer to God, then that can only be applauded.
Today is the Feast of Christ the King (title used by Kanye for his latest album). It is a relatively recent addition to the Western liturgical calendar, instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church calendar. Today we celebrate Jesus Christ as Lord over all creation and confirm Christ's royalty over individuals, families, society, nations etc… Music will be used today throughout the churches of the world… Music to lift us up and bring us in communion with Christ.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
James 5:13
by Patrick van der Vorst |  | |
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