Magnifica Humanitas speaks timeless wisdom into our time with clarity and purpose.
With his new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV offers bold and clear leadership in this age of AI: para 235: ‘. . . the Church – nourished by the Eucharist – is called to make visible a different paradigm, one that preserves human connections, gives a voice to the invisible and ensures that processes are aimed at respecting people’s dignity.’
Pope Leo gives added context for the treasury of Catholic Social Teaching as we face new challenges and questions. His call to respect the dignity of the human person and the common good is the eternal sacred call for all people of faith to justice and peace.
INSPIRATIONAL HYMN
‘Be not afraid’ is a hymn that has inspired millions of people around the world in their discipleship. Grounded in Sacred Scripture (Isaiah 43:2-3 and Luke 6:20), it emphasises the accompaniment of a loving God throughout life, especially in difficult times:
Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blessed are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me,
blessed, blessed are you.
Be not afraid. I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
BE COURAGEOUS
The path of faith calls disciples of Christ to be courageous in small and large ways. This is lived out in daily decisions both on and offline: rejecting dehumanising words and actions, living peacefully with integrity, actively participating in service to others in great need, and caring for ourselves with kindness. Boldness comes in many forms and degrees and is open to all.
‘The Summons’ by John Bell and Graham Maule is sung in liturgies and prayer services across the world and reinterprets a well-known Scottish folk tune. The hymn offers a call to authenticity, humility and care that remains remarkably current and an antidote to polarisation:
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Matt Maher’s anthemic song ‘And all the people said Amen’ also paraphrases sections of the Beatitudes, highlighting how God’s love helps people find courage and purpose:
Blessed are the poor in spirit who are torn apart,
blessed are the persecuted and the pure in heart,
blessed are the people hungry for another start,
for theirs is the kingdom of God.
And all the people said Amen.
Give thanks to the Lord, for his love never ends.
Other musical settings of the Beatitudes also offer courage to those who seek to follow the way, truth and life of Christ.
CALL TO ACTION
Gen Bryant’s song ‘Raise up your voice’ is a rousing call to action. Voices loud and soft can all do their part for justice – God empowers each person to take the action they can in their sphere of influence. These are the small but vital steps that lead to greater change.
Full of Australian images, Tim Hart’s upbeat song ‘Hearts of courage’ asks the Holy Spirit of this great Southland to continue to be with us as we move forward together in hope as the Body of Christ.
What sacred music gives you courage to follow Christ, despite all obstacles?
Fiona Dyball
Fiona Dyball is a musician, educator and liturgist who works across parish, school and tertiary settings. She serves on the National Executive of the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network and the National Liturgical Council for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Fiona is a Member of the Marist Association.
Article kindly reproduced with permission from Fiona Dyball and Australian Catholics Education Hub
RESOURCES
Playlist for Magnifica Humanitas from GIA Publications
Be Not Afraid Sheet music
The Summons Sheet music
And all the People Said Amen Sheet music
Raise Up Your Voice Sheet music