Smells and Bells

Christ was taken from the garden in the night like a thief and led before the people who once called him the Son of God. They heard him preach the word of His Father and then denied Him as one. They called him a liar and falsely accused Him. He was scorned, shamed, and spat upon.            As a member of the chorus, we get to represent many different parts in the story of Jesus' crucifixion. We play the mob and the general commentators. Despite feeling like we are suffering from multiple personality disorder, these choruses are amazing to sing. The opening Chorus is like a prayer asking God to help us understand the sacrifice that Jesus made so that we might be free of all our transgressions. After that we become the mob; however, when Pilot's servant strikes Jesus for the first time we become the apologetic sinners, we sing: 11. Chorale (time in video 0:28:27) Who has struck you thus, my Savior, and with torments so evilly...

On Sunday evening, I attended the St. Joh Passion, Emmanuel music concert. While I admit that I was a bit hesitant about attending considering I had a huge exam the following morning, I will follow up by tell you that I enjoyed the concert so much that I decided to stay and experience the concert in its entirety. As a Catholic, I could not have thought of a better way to reflect on the Passion of Christ during Lent. Before attending college and thus moving away from home, my parents would make my sisters and I attend several masses during Holy Week as a sign of reverence for Jesus dying on the cross of us. While I would get annoyed at times, I look back now and realize how much I truly miss the experiences of Holy Week and Lent in general. Sunday's event spiritually enveloped me and reminded me of my faith. In my opinion, the experience was much more intimate than any other concert I have ever attended. Beginning with the orchestra's first note, the ambiance in the chapel...