One of our daughters loves music, so she chose Saint Cecilia as her Confirmation Saint. Saint Cecilia was an early Church martyr who refused to give up her devotion to God. She had taken a vow of virginity, yet her family arranged a marriage to a non-Christian man. On her wedding day, Cecilia sang hymns to God, even amidst the celebration. That night, she told her new husband of her vow and her faith. Witnessing her unwavering devotion, he and his brother both converted to Christianity. All three were eventually martyred for their faith.
Music has a rhythm. Growing up, I was a percussionist in the band, often carrying the bass drum. That big, round drum produced the thudding rhythm that served as the heartbeat of the band. Without the steady rhythm, there would be chaos instead of music.
This reminds me of a meditation I once read about First Friday Adoration. It encouraged us to gaze at the Tabernacle and listen with our souls because Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity dwell there. The reflection beautifully described Christ’s Sacred Heart beating for us, each beat a pulse of love. Sometimes, in the silence of Adoration, I imagine hearing that heartbeat. Like my wife resting her head on my chest, I long to rest mine on His and hear that rhythm of divine love.
The Eucharist is the heartbeat of the Church. In every Mass, heaven touches earth, and Christ’s sacrificial love resounds in the consecration: “This is my Body… This is my Blood.” Each beat of His Sacred Heart invites us to align our lives with His—to sync our choices and actions to His love.
When we live in rhythm with Christ’s heart, we become part of a heavenly symphony. Our kindness, sacrifices, and prayers become notes in an eternal hymn of praise, harmonizing with the angels and saints.
Today, Saint Cecilia inspires us to sing that hymn, not just with our voices but with the melody of our hearts. When our lives align with the heartbeat of Christ, pulsing in the Tabernacle, we find divine harmony and peace.
Related Articles from Deacon’s Bench
- A Sound of a Rushing Wind – This reflection discusses the profound experience of God’s presence during the consecration at Mass, drawing parallels to the events of Pentecost.
- The Finger of John – An exploration of the significance of liturgy and the liturgical calendar, emphasizing the importance of sacred traditions in the Catholic faith.
- The Parable of the Two Lost Sons – A thoughtful reflection on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, offering insights into forgiveness, mercy, and the boundless love of God.