FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
June 24, 2021
“To Repair a Broken Creation”
After all these months of enduring the lockdown from the pandemic, how great it is to have our churches open again! The singing of the hymns and liturgy is so robust and moving. The proclamation of the Word so strong and sure. People are so happy to be physically present in their faith communities again, re-connecting, sharing in some sorrows but mostly rejoicing and laughing, worshiping with one another.
And yet, as we look around at the broader cultural landscape, we can relate to John the Baptist and his life as a prophet, witnessing about Jesus in a wilderness. So much rancor and division among neighbors and fellow citizens and even within families. So many pressures pulling at the threads of our society. So many moorings seemingly being pulled away. It would be easy to cry out with the psalmist, “How can we sing the Lord’s song at a time and place such as this?” (Psalm 137:4)
After the 9/11 attacks, Mr. Rogers sat at the piano and looked at the American people and said, “We are all called to be repairers of a broken creation.” Of course, this is not a new teaching—it is in the Talmud, a long-cherished Rabbinical teaching which Fred Rogers, as a Presbyterian pastor, knew well. But it remains an affirming reminder to all who work for the sake of the Gospel. Ours is a message of healing and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). As music and the arts help lift the Church out of the Covid darkness, they also play a dynamic role in bringing healing to that which is broken in individual lives, in families, in society, and in the whole creation. Such is our calling, such our vocation. Thanks be to Christ’s Spirit who gives us wisdom and strength and joy in our task!
Barry Bobb
Director - Center for Church Music
