If anyone is interested in the Scripture readings and music used for Joe Biden's Inauguration Day Mass at St. Matthew's Cathedral, NCR has an article here with the details.
"The Jan. 20 Mass in Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day morning was closed to the public, but the pastoral associate for liturgy and director of music ministries at the St. Matthew's Cathedral, who helped plan the liturgy, shares here the music, readings and prayer selections. Others involved in the planning of the liturgy included the presider, Jesuit Fr. Kevin O'Brien; the rector, Msgr. Ronald Jameson; the parochial vicar, Fr. Jon Benson; and members of the Biden-Harris inauguration committee."
The whole article is worth reading; I will just quickly summarize the music and Scripture readings.
Musical selections
"As guests arrived shortly after 8 a.m., they were greeted by an organ prelude on the cathedral's recently completely French Romantic pipe organ. "Prière" is from a collection of "Quatre Pièces" written in 1910 by Belgian organist and composer Joseph Jongen (1873-1953) and was sensitively played by cathedral organist Paul Hardy."
"...The second prelude was a plaintive fiddle tune, "Ag Críost an Síol," written by Irish composer Seán Ó Riada to accompany a traditional Irish text that speaks of Christ as both the source and destination of our life's journey."
"...This was followed by the Irish Hymn, "Be Thou My Vision,"
"...The fourth prelude also took advantage of the violin's unique voice in Irish culture, but here employed to bring to life a piece associated with the American Civil War. "Ashokan Farewell," written by Jay Ungar in 1982."
"...Four veteran members of the Washington-based St. Augustine Gospel Choir, under the direction of Samuel Edison "Eddie" Cromwell, then sang the soulful "Jesus Is Here Right Now," written by St. Augustine's director of liturgical music, from close after the choir's founding in 1977 to 1994, the late Leon Roberts."
"...The Mass began at 8:50 a.m. with a rousing song led by the gospel choir, "We've Come This Far by Faith," a traditional processional hymn for African American congregations of many faith traditions. "
"...The violin was again principal for the instrumental accompaniment at the preparation of the altar and gifts, using Patrick Cassidy's "The Proclamation."
"...The vibrant musical setting for the Eucharist Prayer responses was written in 1981 by Leon Roberts, and named for the patron of St. Augustine Parish, which is considered the mother church for Black Catholics in the U.S."
"...Catholics listening to the conclusion of Biden's Nov. 7 acceptance speech would not be surprised to learn that the setting of Psalm 91 by Fr. J. Michael Joncas, "On Eagle's Wings" would be prominent in the president's Inauguration Day Mass."
"...The music chosen for the Communion procession was another familiar hymn for American Catholics. The 1967 "Prayer of St. Francis" by Sebastian Temple."
"...Renowned opera singer Renée Fleming was the soloist for the post-Communion meditation and the recessional hymn. Schubert's "Ave Maria"
"..."America the Beautiful," the chosen final hymn, is perhaps the most authentically religious and least nationalistic of all the patriotic hymns that might be used for such an occasion."
"...The organ postlude was J. S. Bach's "Fugue in C Major, BWV 545."
Mass texts
"...The Collect, or Opening Prayer, was taken from the Roman Missal, "Prayers for the Head of State or Ruler" but was adapted to include both the president-elect and the vice president-elect. The prayer wishes for them success in the exercise of the high offices and that they secure peace and freedom for the people entrusted to their care."
"...The eucharistic prayer was from the "Masses for Various Needs: Jesus, Who Went About Doing Good."
Readings
"...The first reading from the prophet Isaiah promised that when we care for the poor and afflicted among us, our light shall break forth like the dawn."
'...The second reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians began with, "Rejoice in the Lord always." It promised that peace that surpasses all understanding awaits those who call upon the Lord."
"...The Gospel related the story of Jesus returning to his home synagogue in Nazareth and reading from the prophet Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor."
"...The final blessing was directed first to Biden and Harris. It asked for safety and health for them both and to bless them with "discerning wisdom, inspired vision, and resilient hope."
There was a wide range of musical selections, some expected, and some not. I was surprised to read that they used the instrumental "Ashokan Farewell" as one of the musical selections. We had used that for my mother's funeral in 1999.
The organ postlude was J. S. Bach's "Fugue in C Major". They apparently didn't use the more dramatic Prelude, but went with the more understated and meditative Fugue, with its theme that repeats throughout the piece in the various "voices" of the organ.
An article elsewhere noted that St. Matthew's had been the scene of John F. Kennedy's funeral in 1963.
Thanks very much for calling attention to this article. It is very well written. I read it to my companion. Being a cantor she said it was like she had been to the service.
ReplyDeleteFrom the article:
ReplyDelete“The Joe Biden and Kamala Harris families began one of the most important days of their lives with a Mass intentionally not for public display. That decision in itself gives an insight into the way Biden lives his faith not as a garment but as integral to his life. The music, readings and prayer texts chosen for this special Mass also reveal much about the way the president chose to begin his new vocation and give us a glimpse into the heart of the man elected to lead the nation.”
Originally I was disappointed that the Mass was not televised. However the article makes it clear that it was an expression of the spirituality of Biden, his family, and spiritual support system, especially the spirituality of the Jesuit celebrant and Pope Francis, rather than attendance at a Mass celebrated by a the local bishop or parish open to the whole public that might have to consider the spiritual needs of the parish, diocese, or in this case nation.
A homily emphasizing service to marginal people rather than the common good is understandable in this situation. It is very easy for politicians to say that they are for the common good but have very different ideas about what constitutes the common good. (A lot of politicians see tax cuts for the rich and corporations as benefitting everyone) It is much more prophetic to remind politicians about all those who are being left out of the current common good.
We all have our own spiritualities which the Code of Canon Law says should be respected as long as they are within the realm of those approved by the Church. While a pastor and a pastoral staff should not impose their spirituality upon the parish, it does not mean that various types of spirituality may not be expressed at different parish masses. Obviously this happens a lot when there are Hispanics present in a parish, e.g. sometimes in Hispanic Mass and/or bi-lingual Masses. We also have folk Masses, charismatic Masses, Extraordinary Form Masses, Youth Masses, etc.
There was also the traditional Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral held on Thursday after the Inauguration. Biden and Harris participated remotely. I have not seen it though it is on the Cathedral’s website. Presumably it was an interfaith service with Rabbi and Iman, etc. and aimed at the whole nation rather than just the Biden entourage. Obviously in such as service one avoids the issues of denominational prayer, communion for non-Catholics, etc. that would be made obvious in a publicly televised Mass.
Good point about the diversity of spiritualities which are still within the realm of those approved by the church.
DeleteAlso the thought had occurred to me that a number of non-Catholics, such as VP Harris and her husband, were in attendance at this Mass, and not having it televised avoided some possible publicly awkward moments such as who went up for Communion and who didn't.
Yes, I thought about that, too. The way Catholics do Communion works against evangelization, IMO, though I knew this going in.
DeleteWe didn't invite non-Catholic family (which is everyone) to The Boy's First Communion, Confirmation, etc. The Church Ladies have a special section for non-Catholics so they can't sully the line with their Protestant cooties. My dad would have made a huge joke of it, waving across the room to me and asking loudly if this is the section where they burn the heretics. Good ol' Dad always gave as good as he got ...
Episcopalians handle this more gracefully, inviting all baptized Christians to receive and encouraging anyone who wishes to approach the altar for a blessing with their hands across their breast.
I asked our old priest if my brother and his wife could approach the altar for a blessing when they visited, and he said he would need to meet them first, so we just didn't go rather than make them feel like outcasts.
Yes, I wish we would handle Communion more gracefully. If I were in charge it would be open to anyone who believed and was rightly disposed.
DeleteWe are pretty liberal with blessings here, anyone can approach with their hands crossed on their breast.
The Byzantine Tradition (both Catholic and Orthodox) had a nice way out of this problem since they distribute blessed bread, i.e. the part that was not consecrated at Mass) both with the communion and after Mass.
DeleteThe purpose of the distribution of blessed bread for those who have received Communion is to cleanse the mouth. For others it functions as a blessing.
So although I do not receive communion at the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, usually several people bring me back the blessed bread which makes me feel welcome. Then, of course, receiving Communion from the cup is such a complex thing that I usually don't receive even when it is a Byzantine Catholic Liturgy.
Katherine, do people know they can approach for a blessing? Also, as I understand it, EM's cannot give blessings, so if you have several Communion lines, this would be awkward if those seeking a blessing shows up in the wrong line.
DeleteApparently they do know, because they do come up. I suppose it is an informal understanding. You are right that EMs can't give an official blessing. I used to make the sign of the cross in the air with the Host if someone came up with their hands crossed when I was an EMHC. But I guess that's a no no. Now I just say, "May God bless you." It all seems to be a bit clericalist to restrict blessings in this way.
Delete"Intentionally not for public display ..."
ReplyDeleteHmmm.
Reports about what was going on at the "not for public display" Mass are certainly plentiful and detailed.
My guess is that reporters covering it were given detailed backgrounder to help them curate reportage to emphasize certain themes.
My guess is that the whole thing was rather carefully orchestrated to help Biden underscore certain themes and to resonate with the Catholic vote and to conjure up the Irish Catholicism of the Kennedys.
Not to say that the Mass wasn't a reflection of Biden's sincerely held ideas. But Biden has always struck me as a politician able to move himself to tears with the sound of his own voice and with a tendency to wallow in sentiment on occasion.
I'm sure he can provide competent leadership if he doesn't get too distracted by maundering.
My interpretation of "not for public display" was that it wasn't televised. Of course you are right that he is still a politician.
DeleteA bit of history of Inauguration Day church services.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayers_at_United_States_presidential_inaugurations#Associated_morning_prayer_service
Thanks for the link, Anne. It looks like it is pretty common for the presidents-elect to attend a pre-inauguration church service, and that most of them have not been televised.
DeleteToday he went to mass at Holy Trinity in Georgetown. It is Jesuit, founded when Georgetown university was founded. Apparently he went there fairly often when he was VP. According to the story, there are 4 RC churches closer to the WH than Holy Trinity. The Kennedys usually went to HolyTrinity, including Teddy Kennedy.
DeleteThanks for this detail.
ReplyDeleteThe aspects of the mass which resonated with me are (1] that he started his presidency with the Eucharist, which is a sacrament of unity; and (2) that he invited Congressional leaders of both parties, which strikes me as a way to strive for unity. The sacramentality is striking.
I don't mean to be rude here. I see how Communion is a sacrament of unity with Christ for the recipient, and I think the optics are good for Biden among other Catholics. But I don't see how inviting others to watch you receive what they are barred from is a sign of unity.
DeleteI do think it is a sign of unity that VP Harris and other non-Catholic guests were willing to worship with Biden and not in their own churches.
Jean, right. The Eucharist unites each of us into the Body of Christ. It presupposes (and completes) initiation. It's only through Christ that you and I and everyone else who has been initiated would be united. Different than the practical unity of a political coalition.
DeleteNaturally, not everyone has been initiated. And not everyone professes to believe what the church thinks we should believe (which also could be thought of as a function of initiation).
I don't know how much he has thought about it, but Biden is treading on ecumenical ground here by inviting guests from other denominations. I guess the idea is that it should awaken in all of us a thirst for the genuine unity which ecumenism is supposed to bring about.
Thank you for your response.
DeleteKatherine: If I were in charge it would be open to anyone who believed and was rightly disposed
ReplyDeleteIn our Episcopal parish, the wording is "All who seek Christ...". The key word is "seek". So even those who are not totally convinced - but are seeking - are invited to the table.
I often think about the fact that the christian churches have turned themselves into exclusive clubs with member privileges denied visitors. When Jesus gave the bread and wine at the Last Supper, there was no christian church. All present were Jews.
He did not limit the gift to only those with Roman Catholic baptismal certificates. The changes that occurred in the "Jesus movement" in the millenia following his death are very sad.
But, the lust for power and control has been always present in human affairs. The evolution of christianity, especially from the time of Constantine, is simply one more sad illustration of this reality.
Jean to Katherine: Also, as I understand it, EM's cannot give blessings
DeleteSeriously? Anybody can give a blessing to someone else!
A good illustration of how the lust for power and control in the institutional churches has distorted Jesus' commands to love.
Anne, yeah, seriously. That thing I used to do by making the sign of the cross in the air with the Host is reserved to a priest (and I assume a deacon could too). And I totally agree that it's very "clericalist", if there is such a word.
DeleteI'm not here to tear down Church teaching or to criticize the rules about who gets to bless people.
DeleteMy point is that the way Communion is done is often graceless and unnecessarily uncomfortable for families that want to worship together but are not all Catholic. I doubt any priest or deacon even thinks about or cares whether any non-Catholic who might be in the pews is spiritually nourished by two proceedings.
I hated having to give the "you can't" speech to non-Catholic relations and friends. It would be nice if, instead,you could say "please join me at the altar for a blessing." This might be especially meaningful for non-Catholic mourners at a funeral Mass.
In my experience, other denominations generally make more of an effort to include the uninitiated in worship.
Jean, I hear you about the "you can't" speech. That dilemma hit K early on. Like at his ordination Mass. Some cousins (not Catholic) drove three hours to be there. He didn't know they were coming. They were the only members of his family who came. They came up in his Communion line. Of course he gave them Communion. Sometimes it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.
DeleteKatherine, don't you think that things need to change when relatives drive all that distance to be happy for you and all it does is put you in an awkward position? That's all I'm saying.
DeleteWell, yes. But they didn't ask me. However sometimes you just have to ask, what would Jesus do?
Deletesometimes you just have to ask, what would Jesus do?
ReplyDeleteWell, based on how Jesus behaved according to the gospels, What Jesus Would Do is invite them to the table.
I am not following this. Can you explain further?
DeleteWould Jesus have closed communion, limited to Catholics only? This is in reference to the discussion between Jean and Katherine on how difficult it was to have relatives who aren’t Catholic attend important family masses such as confirmation or ordination to the diaconate. Difficult because the rule is somewhat offensive. Other Christians who celebrate the Eucharist usually invite all Christians to partake - except the Orthodox.
ReplyDeleteJesus wasn’t a big believer in the rules of his religion. He was welcoming to all sorts, even non-Jews. The rule about nobody but Catholics can go to communion is a man-made rule that Jesus would probably ignore.