Looking forward to the start of Lent, I thought I would suggest some ideas for reflection and prayer. The first is a book, by James Martin SJ. My other suggestions are musical, music can engage us on a deeper level and there is a long tradition of folk music voicing the concerns and feelings of the ordinary people. Such songs can give us knowledge and help us gain new insight strengthening our contemplation and prayer.
This long book tells the story of Jesus' life using the four Gospels and overlays the story with the tale of James’ pilgrimage to the Holy Land visiting the places where it happened. His reflections on the Gospels are thought provoking. I especially liked his views on Martha and Mary because as a strong believer in Christianity being about both prayer and reaching out and helping the marginalised I have often heard homilies that talk about prayer only.
The Vietnam War inspired many American writers in in 60s and 70s. Tom Paxton’s "Peace Will Come" is itself a prayer. Other Paxton tracks that may inspire are "The Thought Stayed Free", "When Princes Meet", "There Goes The Mountain", "The Death of Stephen Biko". Last year he wrote "No Kings Here"
The Gospel tradition has produced many tracks and Edwin Starr's "War" was a soul hit in the 60s. I was given Mica Paris and the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir CD Gospel and can recommend that. My favourite tracks are "Oh Happy Day", "Something Inside So Strong" and "Mamma Said".
More recent tracks could be: ‘One Voice’ by The Waillin’ Jennies. This has been covered in support of causes like Me Too.
UK tracks include: Coope, Boyes and Simpson: "If We Were Them", "Children of Palestine", "Anthem for a Planet’s Children" and "The Avenging Angel" . "PET Song" is a light-hearted take on the serious issue of plastic water bottle waste.
"Canaan’s Land" a traditional English folk song recorded by Kate Rusby
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman recorded "Tomorrow Will Follow Today", "52 Hertz" on the overfishing of Wales, and "Fear Not the Mountain" a song of hope.
Sadly the 2001 BBC Radio 2 ballads looking at social issues of the day are not available through BBC Sounds but may be available through some streaming services. Topics included: de-industrialisation, homelessness & travellers, Northern Ireland Troubles, HIV Aids. "Different Drums" by Cara Dillon is my favourite.
Choral fans will have their own favourites but "Ubi Caritas" is my favourite. There is plenty to choose from.
So this Lent why not listen and reflect on something different?
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