Inspiration

Where does inspiration come from? The quick answer is the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean?

I believe in an incarnational God. The mystery of Jesus Christ is revealed to us through an awesome act of divine imagination: that God would walk in our shoes. Saint Iranaeus once said: “God became human so that human beings can become like God.”

One way we “become like God” is through our openness to the Holy Spirit who breathes within us. Inspiration is the way the Spirit allows us a glimpse of the everlasting Beauty who created the universe by speaking the poetic words, “Let there be light.”

Most artists spend years studying their chosen artistic discipline, mastering the tools of their trade, and learning from those who have created before them. This is incarnational and good. It means the Holy Spirit works through our human experience, our trials and errors, our joys and triumphs.

I was blessed to receive the spark of music when I was a small child. Starting in grade school, I played harmonica and sang in choirs. I learned piano in high school, studied music theory in college, and played in many, many bands. Most importantly, I learned to love the Mass and wanted to compose music for the liturgy. My first attempts were modest, but I learned and I grew. Only later in life, when I opened myself to the Holy Spirit, was I able to apply the music skills I learned and bring something worthy to the altar of God. Composing is now my life’s work.

Young musicians often ask me, “How do you write a song?” There is no easy answer. Each person will have their own unique approach to composing, based on their life experience, their talent, and the hard work they put into nurturing their God-given abilities. But I do have one piece of advice: Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, and let your composing be an experience of prayer.