Hallelujah Chorus – The Messiah
The music itself is replete with vitality. The string section skips with joy while the brilliant Baroque trumpets and thunderous timpani alert the soul: "Here is musical resurrection!"
Audiences stand when listening to the "Hallelujah" chorus as they follow the lead of King George III, who in 1743 stood in utter amazement at its glorious sound. The music rouses the soul to feel Christ's resurrection.
If Christ's resurrection did not happen, Christian faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:14). Christ has trampled on death, declares the Byzantine Easter liturgy.
Christians believe the dogma of the resurrection, but how do we extend the church's exuberance beyond easter sunday and throughout the paschal season?
Here are three ways to sense deeply the power of Christ's resurrection:
1. Let the mystery wash over you during the Easter Vigil service, as salvation history unfolds and culminates in the Lord's resurrection.
2. Sing the great easter hymns as wholeheartedly as Christmas carols are sung and allow the powerful texts to fill you with joy.
During the paschal season, repeat the phrase, "christ is risen; my hope is in the risen Lord." Praying this prayer will eventually be synchronized with one's heartbeat; it will reach deep into the soul even on dark days.
Despite daily hardship, the Christian does not succumb to the debilitating pull of bad news. When difficulties tend to weigh down the spirit, the Christian tries to deal with them in creative ways.
Christian hope remains steadfast, is strong and takes courage in christ's resurrection, which has already been won for us. "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid," consoles the risen Lord, "I am with you always, until the end of the age" (In 14:27; Mt 28:20).- By Sr Joan L Roccasalvo, CSJ
Click video to listen to the Hallelujah chorus...
Click here to buy The Messiah performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
