"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." - Col: 3:16 (Optional Memorial of St. Ephrem)
A deacon from the 300's is the reason why music is such a part of our liturgy today. St. Ephrem is a doctor of our faith and is a "Venerable Father" or sainted monk in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In his lifetime, there was great confusion about the faith and heresies abounded. St. Ephrem responded to these realities by preaching and by crafting songs explaining the truths of the Faith, such as, "The soul is your bride, the body is your bridal chamber..."
Remembering this saint today reminds us of the role of music within liturgy to instruct us and teach us. It reminds us also of the need for courageous creativity when we share our faith. May we, like St. Ephrem, step out in boldness to proclaim the Gospel.
How is the Lord calling me to preach in the world around me?
St. Ephrem, intercede for our Diocesan church before God that we might be inspired to proclaim Your Truth in new ways.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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