Singing a New Song

In my Psalms class these past several months, I’ve learned that the psalmists use repetition when they want to emphasize an important point. For example, many of the psalms repeatedly insist that we “sing a new song unto the Lord.” Clearly it’s important that the song we sing be new, but why? We already have a great many perfectly good songs—why not sing them?

As Sr. Mary Irene pointed out, perhaps the psalmists are continually prompting us to sing new songs because God is continually working new wonders in our lives. Every day, then, calls for a new song because every day brings a new reason to praise and thank God. If on any particular day we don’t see a reason to sing a new song, it’s not that God hasn’t done anything new but that we don’t have the eyes to see it. As Tecumseh said, “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.”

Although old beloved songs will always have a place in our liturgies because they are beautiful and link us to our tradition, the use of new music is a sign of a thriving community. This week at the Mount we are learning a new hymn because on Saturday night, we will ritualize the official transfer of Sr. Patricia Gamgort to our monastic community. Life will now be different for Sr. Patricia, and for us, and so we sing a new song. Thanks be to God, who continually calls us to new life in the Spirit!