So the message is, all are God's children. It's a big world, and even if the gate is narrow, all are invited to enter through it. I hope you enjoy all these songs, because in some small way, they help reinforce the message. After all, Our Lord said "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." We few, we happy few. First up, a one-hit wonder from the 1980's!
Red Rockers, China. How many of you remember this one? I had practically forgotten it too. But taking a look at the lyrics, it makes me wonder if they knew about Wu Li, John C.H. Wu, and Lou Tseng-Tsiang too. What other mysteries and secrets about Catholicism abound in the Forbidden City? I'm starting to feel like Indiana Jones.
Danced with wind and danced with fire
Killed the truth and called the liar
Bleeding in its mystery when the moon began to fall
Dreamers are not all they seem,
sleeping in her silent dream
She locks it all inside and hides it all away
China, China
Calling out to history
Is that the way it will always be?
China, China
Questions in my hand, and then
answers gone till I don't know when
All you speak and all you hear
Hand that's strong and voice it's clear
An unforgotten memory when the moon begins to call
Called you right and called you wrong
Time, the shadow, sings your song
Don't lock it all inside and hide it all away
David Bowie, China Girl. Written with Iggy Pop? I'm learning something new again. I dig this song, and always have for no particular reason except it sounds great. This live version is way better than the MTV video too, in my opinion. The bass player plays that instrument like a rhythm guitar too...sheesh!
Because Catholics can laugh, right? Michael Jackson's classic takes on a whole new meaning here, doesn't it? Godless Communists? Or undercover Catholics? I look at people differently now, Thank God. Now, enjoy this, it's heaven sent. Because Catholics can laugh.
Selamat datang. Road Less Travelled. A Catholic High School choir from Malaysia, where the national religion is officially Islam, performing at the 6th World Choir Games, in Shao Xing, China. Sixth Annual? Again, I would have never believed it, without seeing it. As it is, this has only been seen by 85 people, but maybe a few more will appreciate it now.
Same school, different song. Ave Maria. I couldn't resist folks, because I'm a sucker for the Ave Maria, and for beautiful voices. I lived in Malaysia for 15 months back in the mid 1980's when I was in the Marines and I love satay too. Bring on the peanut sauce and cucumbers.
Another choir, this one from the largest Islamic country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia. This choir is from the Pashyangan Catholic University in Bandung, West Java, and performing in Austria in the video here. They are singing Jubilate Deo. We should, you know.
Gloria! All I can say is, this next video just makes me smile. And feel all warm inside, too.
Hear the angels from on high.
Tidings of great joy they bring.
From the mountains to the sky joyful praises swell and ring.
Gloria, gloria, gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria, gloria, gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo.
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains.
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Angels in a heav'nly chorus bring to earth a radiant sight.
All around we see the splendor on this wondrous night filled with light.
Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo, Deo!
And we will end this segment with another video from one of my favorite artists, Neil Young. What the heck does Neil Young have to do with Asia? This is Harvest Moon, which ties in perfectly with the verse quoted above about the harvest being plentiful. Take it away Neil (and we can sing along too)
Until next week, Pax Christi.
