The first time I heard Stephen Schwartz’s song “You Are the Light of the World” back in the 70s was at a folk rally in the Diocese of Richmond. Folks from young teens to people in their 80s—singers, guitarists, dancers, instrumentalists, liturgy committee members, artists—came together for four days of total immersion in liturgy and music, and came home brimming over with energy, enthusiasm and renewed dedication.

The idea that musical theatre—a pop-up production of Godspell— could speak Scripture so clearly to their lives was, for many, a life-changer.

You are the salt of the earth.
You are the salt of the earth,
But if that salt has lost its flavor,
It ain’t got much in its favor.
You can’t have that fault and be the salt of the earth.”

There are no more music rallies in the diocese anymore, alas. The talented people that ran them were overworked (it was an extra) and underpaid, and moved on to jobs where they could support, and actually have time with, their families. But they were the salt of the earth, and they changed lives.

In every music ministry I’ve been part of since then, I’ve tried to impart their sense of joy and energy and enthusiasm. It’s so easy to stay in a comfortable rut, doing the same things the same way—but is what we’re doing losing its flavor? Is the light that we shine becoming dimmer? Do we inspire? Or merely soothe? …

  “You’ve got to stay bright to be the light of the world.”