Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Three Part I

We began Letter 63 this evening entitled “Singing and Music.”However, St. Theophan begins first by discussing with Anastasia how she engages in the tasks of the day and fulfilling her duties. His counsel to her speaks directly to us as well in our own day. The work that we engage in is to be free from trouble and cares. Otherwise the heart becomes agitated. We must strive to work calmly; for if we do not everyday life becomes a hindrance to the spiritual life and our activity and occupations are done in vain. A hubbub always results in the spiritual life getting nowhere at all. Thus, we must distinguish proper zeal from improper care and worries. 

Theophan then moves on to address some specific concerns of Anastasia about what is near and dear to her heart; singing and playing the piano. As with everything else, Theophan warns Anastasia that she must be discriminating. We are in a constant state of receptivity and music more than most things has an incredible power over the soul; either in elevating it or dragging it down. Theophan does not demonize music for he sees its true value.  He tells her that it is impossible for her to change everything at once. However, she must give due attention to the content of the music that she sings and plays. She must become more discerning and so choosing songs that have a more tolerable content; gradually setting aside and forgetting others that become a mere distraction. Admittedly, this may be very difficult for the modern mind to accept. The norm is to be completely immersed in the noise of the world and to surround ourselves with music in almost every setting. Yet, for the person who desires to please God in all things, nothing must escape the scrutiny of love and the desire for intimacy. Music may be enticing and stimulating but it may also be an obstacle to our relationship with God.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:09:27 renwitter: pghco.org/evergetinos

 

00:09:30 renwitter: pghco.org/theophan

 

00:54:46 Samuel + Christina: Harmonium is a reed organ

 

00:55:01 D Fraley: A harmonium is like an accordion.

 

01:10:19 Karl MacMillan: I still will argue that Appetite for Destruction by Guns n Roses is just about the perfect rock album - even if I can't really listen to it anymore.

 

01:11:28 renwitter: What about Valaam chant?

 

01:11:41 Erick Chastain: I love valaam chant!

 

01:12:32 Alexander Pearson: Valaam?

 

01:12:56 Carol Nypaver: They have the most beautiful YouTube videos.

 

01:13:12 Karl MacMillan: I think everyting has been downhill since the introduction of polyphony :)

 

01:13:31 Rachel (30): Thank you

 

01:14:34 renwitter: PSA. These are the links for the Monday and Wednesdays:

 

01:14:35 renwitter: pghco.org/evergetinos
pghco.org/theophan

 

01:14:56 Rachel (30): Thank you a thousand times. God bless.

 

01:15:38 Cathy: What a wonderful way to end mt day.  Blessings!

 

01:15:51 D Fraley: Thank you Fr David.