One of the significant ways that African Americans
express their spirituality is through song. The characteristic was recognized by
Rev. Clarence Rivers, black Catholic priest who paved the way for liturgical
enculturation and inspired black Catholics to bring their artistic genius to
Catholic worship.
Archbishop James P. Lyke, O.F.M., did a great
service in serving as the coordinator of the African American Catholic Hymnal
"Lead Me, Guide Me," which was published in 1987. In the preface to this hymnal
we read: "'Lead Me, Guide Me' is born of the needs and aspirations of black
Catholics for music that reflects both our African American and our Catholic
faith." In the reflections which follow, references are to the hymn numbers in
this hymnal.
The thoughts which follow are inspired by "Black and
Catholic: the Challenge and Gift of Black Folk," which was edited by Dominican
Sister Jamie T. Phelps. Of special note is Chapter Five, titled "Foundations for
Catholic Theology in an African American Context" by M. Shawn Copeland.
If we go back to the years of slavery, it is
remarkable that an enslaved people were optimistic their God would lead them to
freedom as he had led the Israelites. They expressed their optimism in lyrics
like:
The Lord told Moses what to do
Let my people go;
To lead the children of Israel through
Let my people go.
Oh let us all from bondage flee;
Let my people go;
And let us all in Christ be free;
Let my people go. (No. 298)
In the midst of overwhelming pain the enslaved found
solace as they turned to Jesus, who understands what it is to suffer:
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. (No. 263)
Slaves refused to accept their condition. They knew
they were meant to be free.
Oh Freedom, Oh Freedom,
Oh Freedom over me:
And before I'd be a slave,
I'll be buried in my grave.
And go home to my Lord
And be free. (No. 298)
When the physical chains of enslavement had been
removed, African Americans were still not free. They knew that the nation where
they lived had declared: "All men are created equal and are endowed by their
Creator with inalienable rights." They continued to sing and pray to God that
the rights promised them would truly be theirs. It took a man of faith, Martin
Luther King Jr., to lead them in their journey.
"Freedom Songs" took on new meaning and inspired
them to look for a new day. Like King, African Americans looked forward to the
"Promised Land" where there would be joy.
Come and go with me to my Father's house
Where there's joy, joy, joy. (No. 250)
There was a conviction that in spite of conditions
and prejudice:
I've got a feeling, ev'ry thing's gonna
Be alright. Jesus already told me, ev'ry thing's gonna
Be alright. (No. 252)
Even though King was assassinated, they knew that
his dream would come to fruition. Nothing could stand in the way of Christ, the
"King of Kings."
He is King of Kings,
He is Lord of Lords,
Jesus Christ the first and last,
No one works like Him. (No. 86)
In this new millennium there is a conviction that
every Christian African American can lay claim to all that Jesus has promised
them. With joy in their hearts they sing:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long. (No. 199)
Within the fold of the Catholic tradition it is precious to share in the banquet of God's children and sing:
One Bread, one Body, one Lord of All,
One cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many, throughout the earth,
We are one body in this one Lord. (No. 139)
It is such a grace to have faith in Jesus and to walk in his presence.
He touched me, O, He touched me;
And O the joy that floods my soul;
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole. (No. 167)
Black Catholics will continue to sing and celebrate their faith as they move forward in a time of hope.
Mary L. Leisring is the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver.
