Reflections

On Monday night, I attended the Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy & Friends concert at the National. It was truly spectacular. Probably in the top five rock concerts I have ever attended. 

 

You may not be familiar with Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy & Friends. Michael Shannon is a Kentuckian and renown character actor. Jason Narducy is a virtuoso mandolin and guitar player. And together - with said friends - they are an R.E.M. cover band (more R.E.M. talk from the rector? Insert eye roll here). 

 

They were stupendous. They played the entirety of R.E.M.’s 1986 album “Life’s Rich Pageant” (my favorite R.E.M. album), as well as assorted hits and deep cuts. Fun fact: while I was serving in Memphis, I hosted a radio show on WEVL (a station similar to WRIR or WNRN) called “Life’s Rich Pageant.” I was transported. Another fun fact: if you are interested in R.E.M. cover bands, check out the Richmond-based Dead Letter Officers. They are really good too.

 

Now, aside from being consistent with my usual level of geek, you might be wondering why I am reflecting on cover bands. Cover bands are a dime a dozen and, by definition, not original. Yet, as I savored Monday's concert and considered the joy of a good cover band, I was reminded (here comes the segue) of the way we worship as Episcopalians.

 

Certainly, there is a place for originality and improvisation. Daniel Stipe, our Principal Organist and resident virtuoso, can and often beautifully improvises on the piano and organ. Prayer can be powerfully authentic and relevant when improvised. But there is comfort, stability, thoughtful craft, and significant history in our traditional prayers. Not only are our prayers said across the globe at all hours, but our grandparents said them, we learned them in Sunday School, and we said them at our children’s baptisms, and at our beloved’s funeral.

 

Remember the second and third stanzas of the treasured Evensong hymn, “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended,”

 

We thank thee that thy Church unsleeping,

while earth rolls onward into light,

through all the world her watch is keeping,

and rests not now by day or night.

 

As o’er each continent and island

the dawn leads on another day,

the voice of prayer is never silent,

nor dies the strain of praise away.

 

These words mean something to us; they ignite our souls, and when we pray or sing or remember them, they trace deep grooves in our hearts. I am grateful that such poetry (and 80s alternative rock songs) are my companions on the Way.

 

In this season of Lent, as we strive to clear some of the clutter from our brains and lives and better connect with God, consider the prayers, music, and other traditions that mean something to you and ponder how they bring you closer to the Holy. Even in these unstable days, we find shelter in liturgy. Give thanks for those who created them and those who handed them down to you. In the words of R.E.M., "golden words make practice, practice makes perfect.” I am thankful to continue such traditions with my fellow Saints.