In Bolero, by Maurice Ravel, there is a snare drum part that repeats through the entire piece. The piece is 15 minutes long, and the entire time the snare drummer plays "Rat tatatat, tata tat, tatatatat tat." I remember my high school band director telling me that this was one of the hardest things to do in music, because it has to be exactly right, every time, for 15 minutes. It can't speed up (which is very easy to do with something like this), and it can't slow down (which might happen if the drummer starts to fall asleep). The rest of orchestra gets to take turns playing the melody and having fun, but the snare drum just keeps playing steadily on. You can see for yourself. Try to listen to the whole thing without turning the volume down. (I dare you)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2q-gWMAGjw&feature=related
On Sunday's when I distribute communion, I say, "The body of Christ, given for you" over and over. I try to be sincere with each person but sometimes my mind wanders. Nontheless, the words are true every time. I realized that as a preacher, I am going to say those words over and over and over and over. Not only will I say them during distribution, but I will say them in many other ways in many other situations. That message is the very thing that I am being called to speak. I may say them in different ways at different times, but it must be that message. No matter where I am, and no matter how I say it, it must be those words. I cannot add anything to them or take anything away from them. Even when the rest of the world is having fun with their little melody Christ is still speaking those words, constantly, without waver. They are the ostinato of our lives as Christians and as a preacher Christ will often use my mouth and my life to keep them going. Christ says, "My body, for you. Me, for you. For you. For you."
PS. I have a new bicycle. It is pretty exciting. Read about it here at the bike blog.
Pedal for a Purpose Day 1
10 years ago
1 comment:
I was surprised at how much restraint the percussionist had, especially beginning the piece. He hardly had to move his hands or arms, which is probably a much more difficult task than, say, all-out rocking. Rawking. There is much to parallel between how he played, what he played and how a sermon is given and what is says. Nice post, Egbers.
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