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Views from the Choir Loft

Vision of the Apocalypse

Fr. David Friel · November 26, 2012

HAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? Of course, no one knows specifically. There are many people, however, who have attempted to describe what it might be like. From Augustine’s City of God to Dante’s Paradiso to Mitch Album’s Five People You Meet in Heaven, there are plenty of portrayals of what might lie hereafter. One notable portrait of heaven comes from John, the Beloved Disciple, who put his vision to parchment in the fourteenth chapter of the Apocalypse.

He paints his portrait mainly with sounds. The scene includes the Lamb standing atop Mount Zion before the 144,000 elect. The author speaks of “the sound of rushing water,” then adds “a loud peal of thunder”; thereafter, he hears the sound “of harpists playing their harps”; finally, he reports that the multitude of saints “were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne.”

The idea that heaven is filled with sound—even music—is intriguing. Having sung in choirs for many years, I have come to appreciate choral singing, as well as chant, as a premonition of the Kingdom. To sing well in a choir, one must listen to the other voices. This listening leads one to recognize and value the other voice. Only then is the chorister able to contribute his or her own voice to complement the others’ voices. No one, after all, can sing in harmony with oneself.

This strikes me very much like what heaven should be. In heaven, there will be no discord, no backbiting, no jealousy. In the words of John, “On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished” (Revelation 14:5). According to the Christian vision of earthly life, heavenly life must consist in the perfect giving-and-taking, acceptance-and-bestowal of saintly relationships. There, love of God and love of neighbor will be perfected and overflow with song. It is so magnificently appropriate for the lover to sing for the beloved.

So, what is heaven like? No one knows precisely. But I would not be surprised if it is, in fact, a place filled with music. At the very least, it must be a place of perfect harmony.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anselm Church in Northeast Philly before earning a doctorate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America. He presently serves as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.—(Read full biography).

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PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
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From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

An Indult of the “Commission for Russia” (25 November 1929) authorizes Bishops and Administrators Apostolic in Russia to permit the celebration of Mass and the reception of Holy Communion in the afternoon or evening, on condition that a Eucharistic fast of four hours from noon be observed.

— Sacred Congregation of Rites, 25 nov 1929

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