Balance in the Use of Liturgical Music

To say that no language is used more frequently in liturgical celebrations in some local churches in Nigeria will be inaccurate. It is obvious. And to say that a language dominates liturgical celebration in the Church in Nigeria is fallacious. The validity of such assertion should be in reference to particular churches. To claim that a particular people is the soul of the Church is absurd. The language of dominance is alien to Christianity. It is a sin against charity. It is uncatholic.

Contextually, that a language is used often does not mean that it dominates others, because one must consider who uses the language, where, and when. Anyway, this is not the reason for this write up.

Actually, we can achieve a balance in the use of liturgical music in the Church and lay to rest the unhealthy struggle of the language of dominance. The church is holy, one, universal and apostolic. Thus, liturgical music from all languages is acceptable and must reflect these marks of the Church. This acceptability must be balanced contextually, not mathematically. No language should dominate another in the Church.

Moreover, God is present in every culture. Language is the bedrock of culture. When we accept that no culture is superior to another, we will embrace one another, and language will simply become our mode of communication; a means of expressing our bond. The African or European languages are not inferior to the Aramaic spoken by the historical Jesus.

Every language is a channel of divine communication. An important question in every celebration should be: Was everyone carried along? Did the people participate actively? This means that the liturgical music should be balanced where possible according to the place of celebration and the celebrants. That is why it is better to sing a song in Benin language if a Benin person is coming to thanksgiving but not as a rule. This is because it is difficult to know who is from where in a big church and people from different cultures. Again, some people from particular cultures enjoy music from particular cultures more than theirs. This is my experience. But it is not just about the music. . It is also about the love and body language of the president of the celebration. The attitude of the presider could involve the people more or less in the celebration. Meanwhile, the beauty and glory of liturgical celebration is the active participation of the people of God, those who celebrate. This is the theological impact of Vatican II Council.

There is no culture that does not have beautiful music. Therefore, factors that may make music from a particular culture or language 'dominate' the liturgy should be deliberately removed.

First, Church gifted musicians should be appreciated especially by the hierarchy in different ways and should be encouraged to compose more liturgical music peculiar to every culture. For example, yearly awards can be put in place to motivate Catholic musicians who are able to meet up with this target.

Second, the choir in every culture should be encouraged to source more songs within from their context, that is, with reference to the place where they are and the people that make up the congregation.

Third, people from a particular culture or gifted in a particular language should be encouraged and even motivated to join the choir in that place. For instance, such persons can be given priority of place in the selection of choir members.

Fourth, every liturgy is usually in parts and so, every choir should be encouraged to give different parts to different languages with reference to the culture of the celebration and the people who are celebrating.

In sum, evangelization is the essence of Christianity and love is the essence of the gospel. To this end, every culture and language must be evangelized. Every culture and language must be loved. Putting everything into consideration, liturgical celebrations must be used to enrich every culture and language. Every language must be appreciated, respected, appropriated, loved and used in moderation with reference to the place and the congregation. Liturgical music must be used moderately to appreciate, adorn, elevate, respect, and enrich every people and language. Most importantly, it must be used in balance, balance of prudence