“Chaput” Mass (April, 2010)
Steps to the Chapter House, Wells Cathedral
The “Caput Mass” is intended to be sung by the parish congregation and the important words there are “mass”, “congregation” and “sung.” This is not music to be listened to or to be discussed or even regarded as an aesthetic object (which, of course, makes this a bit ironic because I’m discussing it but you get my point). It is not music for a rehearsed choir. Instead, it is to be sung by the entire congregation. And it is not music to be heard outside of the liturgy in a concert but within the service. It is music to be sung by the faithful as they gather to hear Christ’s gospel proclaimed and, in obedience to Him, receive the sacrament of His body and blood. It is not a work of art; it is instead a liturgical apparatus—like the kneeling cushions and the church’s front steps or even the parish parking lot—its purpose is to modestly assist the faithful in their worship. But saying this is not to say that the liturgical apparatus isn’t beautiful, instead the liturgical apparatus possess a different kind of beauty than that which characterizes a work of art. The steps to the church need to be competently made, meaning that they should be sturdy and durable. And their design should be decent and fitting for their location. But their beauty lies in the years of wear they show as the faithful have crossed them on their way to worship. This is the beauty of the liturgical apparatus. It is not the beauty of a museum exhibition, caught in a quick look. Instead its beauty is revealed only over time as it serves to aid a Christian’s worship and because of that function is held in his memory. It is the beauty of walking those steps to worship and the memory of that worship.