DECEMBER 24/5, 2019
10:00 PM (TUE), 9:00 AM (WED) ORDINARY FORM MASSES
In his 2008 book A Portrait of the Brain, British neurologist Dr. Adam Zeman uses neurological case histories to illustrate the various layers of the brain; zooming out from atoms, to genes; proteins; to organelles; neurons to synapses; neural networks and lobes; ending with the psyche and soul. In all he provides an interesting introduction to neurology for a general audience.
In the Epilogue, titled O Magnum Mysterium, Dr. Zeman reflects on how “music speaks so directly to our feelings … [and] keys readily and powerfully into the brain’s activity.” Concluding that because music is both “mathematical and mindful” that we are enraptured by it because “we, ourselves, are music.” And at least because “our brains are governed by a constant interplay of rhythms.”
Indeed, even with all that science – the complex processes and complicated wiring of (this thing up here) – the human brain remains a mystery.
As an example Dr. Zeman refers to his own euphoric intoxication upon hearing Morton Lauridsen’s 1994 setting of O Magnum Mysterium. Lauridsen has been called “the only American composer in history who can be called a mystic”.
For the record, O Magnum Mysterium is the fourth responsory, occuring in the second nocturn of Christmas Matins. The text and it’s chant are at least 1,000 years old. It has been set in choral polyphony by both Palestrina and Victoria in the 16th century, as well as Ivo Antognini in the 21st century.
Translated into English it reads:
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord,lying in a manger.
Blessed is the virgin whose wombwas worthy to bearthe Lord, Jesus Christ.It evokes the imagery so familiar to us, which has its roots in the third verse of the prophet Isaiah; and is tied in with the second verse of Philippians in St. Paul’s hymn to the humility of Our Lord.
Today is Christmas.
And whether you are hear because gramma said so, or because it’s your annual trek to the 100 year old hard pews of St. Vincent’s. In the very least, I hope that the rhythms and melodies of the familiar carols have brought you here.
As the music speaks to your feelings; allow the prayers and chant; the incense and bells to key into your brain’s activity and stir you into a heightened mindfulness.
Because today is Christmas. The culmination of 4,000 years of divine promise and mystery; played out in the liturgical rhythms of the Mass in Word and Sacrament. For the past 2,000 years.
Tune into this magnificent mystery. Encounter Christ Jesus in this admirable Sacrament.
For,
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.Blessed are you, for your eyes have seen and your ears have heard,
good news of great joy that [is] for all the people.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.Welcome home.
Merry Christmas.
Visuals used to highlight points in homily graphically.
