Fr. Dwight Longenecker
7. Good Hymns build up the community of faith – When we sing together the barriers between us break down. Shared singing is famous for building up esprit de corps, strengthening commitment and rousing the troops. A hymn like Lift High the Cross with its solemn rousing tune rallies the faithful and inspires them to work together to proclaim the gospel and fight the good fight of faith.
A rousing homily, a good example and regular encouragement help, but nothing joins people to a common cause, breaks down barriers and builds up the shared commitment like singing a hymn together. Why do Catholics not sing? I think it is often because they are uneasy with such enthusiasm for their faith and very often because the hymns they are given to sing are sappy with shoddy music and trite words. Who wants to join the cause and march forward with Christ with some sentimental ditty about loving Jesus that sounds like a bad pop song? It ain’t manly.
A strong hymn like Fight the Good Fight, Onward Christian Soldiers or Lift High the Cross, on the other hand, strengthens the will and fortifies the resolve to live the Christian life with purpose and success. A good strong hymn is a breath of fresh air and a rallying point for the faithful.
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