A common theme in the Lenten readings is mis-communication. Jesus says or does one thing, and the person he’s talking to hears something completely different. The devil tempts him, possibly thinking, “It works for everyone else—why not for you?” Peter sees Jesus with Moses and Elijah, but hasn’t a clue what that means. The woman at the well is used to conversing with men, but this one is different—and calls her to question her whole life.

Jesus has to keep explaining.

Miscommunication often occurs between parish leadership and those responsible for music ministries. Some parish leaders have used Myers-Briggs to improve communication on all levels. But usually the music minister is the one who has to figure out how to communicate effectively and appropriately. And it’s often not easy to do that.

Preparing for the Triduum is one example. When I worked in military chapels, one chaplain was famous for changing things at the last minute, which was very confusing. The second year, I met with him; we talked through the entire Triduum and I made careful notes. I typed them up, inserted music suggestions, and had another meeting with him. He changed some things. At the third meeting, I said, “Okay, this is it. If you sign off on this, we’ll be able to rehearse adequately and provide good music—if you don’t change anything.” For the rest of his tour, everything went smoothly—because I figured out what worked for him.

Everyone is different. Some people are visual learners; they need it on paper. Some are aural learners who need to talk it through and time to reflect before making a decision. Some really do not understand the importance of adequate advance rehearsal and need to be reminded again and again.

And we have to keep explaining.