I was graced to be able to be present for Dr. Scott Caton’s ordination this Saturday. While the Mass was certainly not as bad and riddled with abuse that it could have been (i.e. prancing gays in tights) there were certainly several moments of liturgical-disconnect. One instance that particularly stood out to me was the following clip I shot. During the preparation of the gifts, the choir sang “I Am the Lord of the Dance,” accompanied by one of the Dady Brothers (secular musicians, mind you) playing the mandolin. Now, I love the Dady Brothers. They’re great local talent. However, just because you’re an amazing artists doesn’t mean that you have the right to strum your mandolin, or guitar, or whatever in the sanctuary of God. There is a clear separation of sacred and profane that should be recognized by the planners of the liturgy. But, then again, we know what “liturgies” are permitted and endorsed by the DoR.
Anyways, the striking thing about this piece was that they’re singing about Our Lord as if he’s Garth Fagan, a dance master and glee-maker. About 50 feet above Mr. Dady and his mandolin is a life-sized crucifix, showing Our Crucified Lord. All around the church are the bloody stations depicting Our Savior’s woe. Why would such a song as this be considered appropriate for a Mass? The Mass is a celebration and memorial of Calvary, not the last season of Dancing With the Stars.
Tags: Bishop Clark, Liturgical Prancing with the Stars, Liturgy, Progressive Drivel
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Isn't Lord of the Dance a title of Shiva, whom the Hindus worship? There is no precedent for calling Our Lord by this title in scripture or tradition that i am aware of.
I heard this same song at mass for the first time only a few weeks ago and found it insipid and uninspiring. It sounds like some stupid song written by hippies in their quest to dechristianize Christ.
FYI – it's "diaconate" with an "i", not "deaconate".