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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Living with Uncertainty

Richard J. Clark · January 3, 2014

RJC_912_Prodigal_Son from “The Return of the Prodigal Son” (Rembrandt) O MATTER WHO YOU ARE, life brings uncertainty. But as the saying goes, there are two things that are certain: death and taxes. There is also a third: the Cross. We all carry crosses, some unique that no one else will possibly understand. Yet we serve God and each other through the very crosses we carry. Here is what is certain: we will carry one cross or another until we die. This is not morbid, but rather a joyful reminder that through suffering, we serve God and each other all the days of our lives.

This week, a busy time during the Christmas Season, one may reflect upon events past and hope for the future. One week alone, no less an entire year, may bring a roller coaster of emotions. This has been such a week.

Christmas day brought the tragic news of the death of a family member, much too young and much too sudden. So my liturgical preparation has included not only my job, but now my family. My family lifts a heavy heart alongside an ever-increasing appreciation for the gift of life.

But blessings come and go. Crosses are plentiful. Uncertainty makes life scary. No one is immune from ultimate uncertainty. Yet, there is a certainty to be found in God: No matter who you are, rich or poor, lowly sinner or saint, these words are prayed (hopefully sung) in the funeral mass:

May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham; and where Lazarus is poor no longer may you find eternal rest.

Be certain: God’s welcome is the same for everyone, especially for the lowly. I find this beautifully astounding every time I sing these words. In the funeral mass we pray for the deceased. Those of us on earth must continue to pray unceasingly. But like the father of the Prodigal Son, God welcomes the sinner, who like Lazarus, is no longer poor and finds eternal rest. Know that God, who is the Lover of Souls, is infinitely merciful.


HE MUNDANE CAN BRING redemption and lift the spirit. Composing often heals a heavy heart, as does the work of liturgical preparation, strangely enough. Although last minute, I hope the offering below may be of some service. As the Wise men looked East, they encountered uncertainty in their search for the Newborn King. They encountered uncertainty in a dream to avoid Herod and return another way. At the center of this uncertainty was faith in the certainty of God.

Free Download:
PDF • Vidimus stellam | Communion Antiphon | Epiphany of the Lord | for Schola, SATB, Organ

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Requiem, Singing the Mass Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“After the Second Vatican Council, the impression arose that the pope really could do anything in liturgical matters, especially if he were acting on the mandate of an ecumenical council. Eventually, the idea of the givenness of the liturgy, the fact that one cannot do with it what one will, faded from the public consciousness of the West.”

— Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

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