St Ephrem was known as one of the great hymn writers of the early church. In what might seem scandalous to many today, his popularity came, in part, from the way he adapted popular music. Music became sacred as it was infused with grace, but it remained attractive to its listeners because it followed the melodious tunes they had come to love and expect. He wrote music which fit the likes and tastes of his time. He shows us how popular tunes, popular lyrics, could be employed by Christians, as long as they were adapted in a way which could also encourage proper worship of God. Of course, there is a danger in doing this: the adaptation has to be done well, because it would be easy to create silly or insipid pastiches. But when done well, a familiar tune, familiar words, can easily attract attention, and inspire a heart-felt response from those singing or listening to the music. And, for one who is already moved by the musical quality behind the hymn, the words employed then easily become a part of the person singing them. St Ephrem’s music helped combat heretical teachings, not by being overly preachy, but by issuing forth a positive vision to counter erroneous claims which were being spread in his time. Today, more than ever, we need people to follow his example, if we want to evangelize the world. If all we offer is a negative criticism of the world, we turn people away, because they do not see what is so great about our faith. We must embrace what is beautiful in the world and use it for the glory of Christ. People will take notice. People will truly see that they have a place with God, because what they desire does not have to lead them away from God.
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