Along similar lines, but not really...

The seminary hosted The Rose Ensemble in our chapel last night. I will preface this by saying that it seems like everybody else thought they were wonderful, beautiful, moving, inspirational, and all that. They received a very strong applause, so I am obviously in the minority here.

I must admit, the music was beautiful, and it was nice to see someone appreciating the Catholic contribution to culture in history. After about twenty minutes of these beautiful prayers, though, I was looking for the guys in yellow and blue shirts to order a hot dog and a cherry coke. I realized too late that I was committed to another half hour of this beautiful music, though. Actually, it wasn't that bad, but much like the unbelievers in the Gospels who encounter Jesus, their Lord and Savior, and true beauty...and then continue going about their daily lives...that's me in my encounter of this music.

Actually, because I am an uncultured brute (I admit it), I really don't understand this exalted status that classical music, etc. has. I know half the seminary is musically trained and will disagree with me, but what can you do. To me, these people had wonderful voices and the music was beautiful, but it's no different than LeBron James training his muscles, mind, and body to be a great basketball player. It is just as beautiful to watch James make someone fall over trying to guard him as it is to hear this music. These people trained their vocal muscles, diaphragm, etc. and so produce beautiful music. We're happy for them. It's beautiful. But give me a pizza, coke (or do I need to say Pepsi to satisfy our corporate sponsors?), and some R&B, and life is good.