Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

Everyone has their own taste in music. Some like fast paced heart pounding music like heavy metal rock. Others prefer something more subtle and soothing like jazz or even smooth jazz. There are people who revel in the sounds of the big bands while still others want the rhythms of rap or hip hop. There are those who are relaxed by instrumentals, yet some seek words that cut to the core. The list goes on and on.

As for me, I am a classical kind of guy. I love listening to symphonies. Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky provide rhythm, drama, emotion, power, and movement. They grab you, console you, challenge you, and break down barriers of complacency. Not everyone can appreciate that style of music, but it speaks to me.

Generally, a symphony is composed of four movements although occasionally a composer can throw in a sixth or even seventh movement. They are based on themes the moment of a common rhythm sequence that propels the listener into various statements of mind.

Today’s Gospel seems to be built around four movements. First, is actually a quote from Isaiah which is a recap of the first reading. “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” Here the central focus is light that pervades the experience of darkness. Second, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” There is a shift from the promise made by Isaiah to the mission proclaimed by Jesus. Third, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This may seem to be a form of refocusing, but it is the connection between the first and second movements. Fourth, Jesus brings these movements home with a strong finale. Jesus embodies the means for the light to dispel darkness as an experience of repentance which he invites others to join in order that this can be experienced. “He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Much like a gifted composer, Matthew weaves together stories, scripture (Isaiah), purpose, and the art of expression. Symphonies are designed to motivate, emote, describe, and project the listener into a world other than his or her own. The sounds give color, depth, emotion, and purpose. Like a masterful composer, Matthew invites the listener into the world of Jesus and expresses his mission in a way that empowers the invitation and brings it to full awareness. Jesus is the light. He came to dispel darkness. (See the Prologue of John) He combats the darkness by calling others to join him in a path of repentance. This is more than John the Baptist. It is a full immersion into the life of the Kingdom of God. To complete that task he recruits two sets of brothers to leave their livelihood and follow him. It is not an ordinary invitation. It is a commitment to a new way of life. Darkness will be overcome by the cross and those who embrace it. His actions lay it all on the line. Jesus is the dramatic ending.

Fr. Tom