Think about a harp. Or, perhaps, one string of a harp. How much music could that single string make on its own? Surprisingly, a fair bit. Rhythm is generally considered more important than notes; you can knock the “Happy Birthday” song on a door and have it be recognizable. I bet there’s a fair bit you could do musically with one string of a harp.
Still, one note does not a symphony make, and most musical instruments need many parts to pluck, blow, or strike to make the full elements of a beloved tune.
This analogy came to mind as I reflected upon today’s readings. Psalm 33 sets the musical foundation: Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
The lyre described has 10 strings, working together in harmony to bring about music. The musician must play skillfully to bring the fullness of the instrument to life, so that it may serve the purpose for which it was created.
Today’s Gospel of Matthew selection looks at the commissioning of the Twelve apostles. They were sent out as a group, working their God-given gifts individually yet as part of the larger instrument – to serve the greater purpose that Christ commanded.
Finally, the reading from Genesis tells a middle portion of the story of Joseph and his brothers. Despite the years since they were separated, Joseph recognizes them, and begins setting some tests for his siblings (who do not recognize him). One of his brothers says, “Alas, we are being punished because of our brother. We saw the anguish of his heart when he pleaded with us, yet we paid no heed; that is why this anguish has now come upon us.” He recognized that the “instrument” of their family was no longer complete because their youngest brother was missing. The anguish is mutual, with Joseph hearing these words and turning away to weep.
From a certain point of view, we’re all single strings in the larger instrument of humanity. Individually, we can accomplish great and wonderful things. But working together – as part of families, part of the Church, as part of God’s larger plan – we can do so much more. In the same way a harp is created to make beautiful music, humanity was created to work together so that we might better know, love, and serve God.
Think of yourself as a string on the harp of humanity. Are you working together with whom you should to bring about harmony, to do that for which you were created? Are you trying too hard to make yourself heard above the crowd? Do you need to be “retuned,” to return you to playing well with others? Do you, like Joseph, need to help bring others back together, to restore harmony in a family or group? Do you sometimes forget that – like the Twelve – you have been called to be part of the group in spreading the Word and love of Christ to all nations?
Today’s Psalm continues: “the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.” We should always trust in the plan of the Lord. In the same way a single string of a harp may not hear itself individually amid a beautiful song, we might not recognize our own contribution to the Lord’s plan . . . but we can be confident that, if we remain true to Christ’s words and deeds, we are still a part of that plan. Let us sing to God a new song and rely on the Lord’s unerring wisdom to bring about the hymn of redemption. My heart is in your hands, O Lord; pluck the strings skillfully!
