Cantors at our cathedral are incredible people. How blessed we are to have so many spiritually driven cantors. The role of a cantor is extremely important. The prime role of cantors in our cathedral is to act as the psalmists in proclaiming the responsorial psalm each week.
Here is my meditation on Psalm 138 used this Sunday, February 10th for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C. I am offering this as a sample for cantors as you prepare the psalms each week. Taking the time to reflect on the psalm before you sing it is extremely important.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth Are all the words I utter each day, words which express a grateful heart? Or are they words of discouragement, fear or anger? If only I could think this message each time I speak.
In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise. I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. I am so grateful to sing so frequently in our beautiful Cathedral. How easy it is to feel the presence of the angels as we sing with the accompaniment of organs, choirs and other instruments! What a gift God has given me to share in company of so many faithful witnesses!
Because of your kindness and your truth I can do nothing without God, the Master conductor.
For you have made great above all things your name and your promise. At the name of Jesus, all knees shall bend. God’s promise is that He will stay with me if I will stay with Him.
When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me Every time I cantor, I recognize that it is Jesus working in me and it is his voice speaking through me. He gives me the strength to do what I do.