Tuesday
of the Sixth Week of Easter
(Acts
16:22-34; John 16:5-11)
Robert
Duvall, the recently deceased actor, made a movie called “The Apostle.” He played the title role, a flawed but charismatic
preacher. The movie ends with the
preacher on a chain gang leading fellow prisoners in a song praising the
Lord. Much like Paul and Barnabas in
today’s reading from Acts, he never stopped evangelizing.
Song lifts
up hearts. It is especially helpful when
working with children, the aged and the sick.
These people have limited self-preoccupation so that they aren’t
embarrassed raising their voices, even if they sing off key. Asking them to sing praise to God not only
evangelizes; it also heightens their hope.
Nevertheless,
singing is usually better when done well.
Even those who are inhibited when quality is lacking may be stirred to
join in good singing. In any case, singing praise to God should be encouraged because it gives God added glory.
