There are a lot of songs about the Transfiguration, but most have a common flaw: they’re very soothing. Why is that a flaw? Think about the effect on Peter, James and John of seeing Jesus transfigured. The change in Jesus was frightening enough, but seeing long-dead Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus had to be flat-out terrifying. Then they heard the voice of God telling them to listen to Jesus, “my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” They were prostrate with fear until Jesus touched them and said, “Do not be afraid.”

Not a soothing experience for them. Even we, with our knowledge of movies and TV shows full of computer-generated graphics, would be scared to death to be up on a mountain in the clear air seeing crazy stuff like that.

So take a tip from what Jesus said to the fearful apostles. “Be Not Afraid,” by Bob Dufford SJ, has been around for forty years, and has become a classic that still speaks to our very human fears of the unknown. “You shall see the face of God and live”—how’s that for a promise?

In these tumultuous times, many people have good reason to fear.  Choose music that puts the community of faith in solidarity with the fearful. From Taizé, “Nada Te Turbe” (it’s really better in Spanish); “Be Still, My Soul,” on the great hymn tune FINLANDIA; or Tom Conry’s valiant statement of faith, “I Will Lift up My Eyes,” to name only a few.

There are many songs and psalms that fit today’s readings. Just don’t settle for soothing.