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The song Mary Did You Know Patrice Thursday, December 8, 2005

Question:

I cringe every time I hear this song sung at Christmas Mass. Last year it was accompanied by liturgical dance. It is written by a non-Catholic, but is fast becoming a standard song at Mass.

I would appreciate your feedback. Maybe, I read too much into the song, but it does truly disturb me given what I have read in the writings of Bishop Fulton Sheen, and St. Louis Marie de Montfort - to name just a couple of Catholics who I trust ;-) to teach me about theology and our Blessed Mother.

My response to Mark Lowry’s song “Mary Did You Know” : (a link to the lyrics -
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/rogers-kenny/mary-did-you-know-11187.html):
EXCERPT OF LYRICS -
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know,
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM.
---------------

The melody is beautiful. The sentiment is sincere. But there are lines in the song that disturb me, especially when this song is sung at Mass.
As a Catholic, I know the important role Our Blessed Mother has in our salvation; the great power of her intercession; her great power to assist us against Satan; her great love for us; and her great humility.
At the least, Our Blessed Mother knew that she was to be the mother of our Saviour, the Son of God. I believe much more was revealed to her by the Holy Spirit (her Spouse), after the Annunciation, during her nine months of pregnancy, throughout the hidden childhood of Jesus, and during the public ministry of Jesus.
Can you imagine being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being full of grace, as Our Blessed Mother was, and not receiving any gifts of knowledge of God’s plan for our salvation?
Consider, the Angel Gabriel’s response to Mary, St. Elizabeth’s greeting, and Our Lady’s Magnificat (Luke 1:35, 41-55).

Should I approach my pastor about this song?
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Patrice,

I don't see a problem with the lyrics of the song, for the simple reason that the answers to the questions would be "yes".  Many times composers of music will ask an obvious question to add specific emphasis or drama to make a special point.  I'm pretty sure that's what's happening here, especially since the words "did you know" are repeated over and over.

That's my take on it anyway.

Mr. Slavek
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