“Texas Forever,” the iconic line of Tim Riggins, a line from one of my new favorite TV series, Friday Night Lights.  It’s funny, because if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting someone from Texas, then its pretty clear that this line sums up their undying love for their great state.  Born and bred in Houston, this line pulls on my barbed wire heart strings.  If you have ever had the pleasure of watching this show, then you know that it was a gem when all 5 seasons appeared on Netflix.  (PS. I should be getting paid for how often I endorse Netflix…Netflix, Netflix, Netflix).  Not only do I associate this line with the show, but one of the most powerful characters in the show is never seen but only heard.  The Music.

If you’re into anything these days, then you know the importance of music to media mediums.  Music has a way of elevating emotion, of communicating a depth and breadth to situations that really allow our hearts to connect in a powerful way.  The right music, placed in the context of television, has the power to speak to parts of our hearts, and allow us to feel the complex emotions of the character, and allow something within us to empathize on a whole new level with them. Music should elevate.

The wrong music has an equally powerful response, disgust and distraction.  If we are watching a scene that is meant to describe the hardship and complexity of the heart, but the song playing in the background is ‘Come on Eileen’, we are more distracted by the music than led by it.

In a culture where young people are spending an average of six and a half hours a day with media and packaging eight hours of media into that six and half, we shouldn’t be surprised by the impact of music.  When we hear a song that beautifully summed up what we were watching, we are instantly reminded of that emotion.  Music can remind us of where we were, how we felt, and what we ourselves were experiencing when we heard it.  Music causes us to remember.

In my experience in ministry, many people have asked me my thoughts on music in the liturgy.  What is appropriate? What is inappropriate?  In the rise of great contemporary Christian musicians, this question should take on a new life for us.  After all, let’s be honest, music does play a big part of how we worship.

It’s sad, but I often feel as if the media sometimes understands the power of these things more adeptly than some of us leading worship at our local parishes.  In context of the liturgy, music should elevate, remind, and lead to something deeper.  It plays in integral role in all of these things

Music should elevate our experience of the liturgy.  The songs we sing should, in a sense, be more than just those songs.  They should provide a setting where we can connect with something greater, without distraction.  The more proper the music for the setting, the more we are elevated into something bigger.  The wrong type of music for the setting just leads us into our own thoughts.

Music should remind us.  When we sing songs throughout the liturgy, they should remind us of what we are doing.  The readings, the prayers, the motions; it all has meaning and depth.  The music during the liturgy should not only remind us of what we are doing, but connect us into a deeper experience and understanding of it all.  Just because a song we heard or know is cool and has that sweet electric delay, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is appropriate for liturgy.  After all, we are participating in something greater than a concert or our musical ability. (not to say that those in charge of leading music during liturgy should not have any musical ability.)

Finally, and most importantly, music should lead to silence.  We often forget that when we forego silence, we lose the beauty of music.  If music is leading us to something deeper, then once we reach that destination, we no longer need the vehicle.  It’s like driving your car to the beach, then never stepping out onto the actual beach.  There are moments in our liturgy in which silence is the only medium necessary in order to experience it’s beauty.  When we try and force our own voice, it just feels weird.

Whether it’s the theme song to Band of Brothers or Charles in Charge, or certain liturgical songs that remind me of a particular mass, music causes a reaction.  I admit, it’s easier for me to understand and feel with music.  However, my experience with music in these settings has also led me to have a great appreciation for the joy and work of silence.

There are many moments in my life in which music has played an important part.  However, life has those moments where nothing but silence can do them justice.

Sound off below, or I’ll take your silence as a good thing!