(August 31, 2016)
Talk to any Christian youth or young adult and ask them what their favourite worship song is?
More often than not, you will hear a song written by Hillsong. And more often than not, singing a line in the verse or chorus will easily garner the interest of those around you. Whether it’s the classics like “Here I am to Worship”, the recent ones like “Touch The Sky” and everything in between, there is a sort of relationship or attachment we have to the songs of prayer. And hearing more and more of their songs, I knew it was one thing to listen to their Live Albums, but another to actually experience it first-hand. And so for a good 6 years I hoped and dreamed of attending a Hillsong concert, building up the experience in my head. Imagining singing the same song with thousands of other Christians.
And it was during their Zion tour that I got to finally experience it. The best part of this experience was that a majority of the concert they played their classics and hit songs. Being able to finally translate my dreams while singing in the car to reality inside an arena, I came to a realization (through another brother with the same reflection) that the concert itself wasn’t fulfilling. For sure, it was great singing all these songs that I jammed to, but there was something missing, something was lacking — and that was Jesus Christ.
This all became a sudden realization; what’s greater than singing the worship songs that I love?Receiving Christ. What’s greater than singing with thousands of other people in that arena?Receiving Christ with Catholics all across the globe. What’s greater than sharing these songs and still singing the songs we love after the concert? Receiving Christ and sharing Christ to whomever we encounter.
When we receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass, we receive Jesus Christ and we become walking tabernacles. We become the vessels of Christ and the messenger of God’s love to all. And over my spiritual journey I have continued to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Holy Mass. What was once thought of as a Catholic task done once a week has now become the very essence of who I am, of who we are, as bearers of Christ’s love, grace and mercy.
These songs may only be memorable when brought up, but the Lord is truly present all the time within us.
AMDG.