Can you relate to Drew’s music tastes? They’re all over the place. From classic rock to whatever his kids are into, his playlist is basically musical chaos. But then… taxes happened. Yup, while drowning in paperwork he threw on some Gregorian chant for focus, and then he felt calmer, more focused, and oddly energized. 🤔

Is this just a “one-time thing,” or is there something deeper going on?

🎧 The Monk Mystery: Chant as Fuel

Drew shares this story about a French monastery. Long ago, monks thrived on little sleep, kept up intense prayer routines, and still had energy for days. But after Vatican II, they stopped chanting (because they couldn’t agree on how to modernize it): and guess what?

💤 They got super sluggish.

🥩 They even ditched vegetarianism for meat, hoping for more energy.

😫 Still exhausted.

Then came Dr. Alfred Tomatis, a sound therapy expert. He realized the ONLY thing that changed was the lack of chanting. Once the monks brought it back? Energy restored. It was like plugging their brains into a charger. ⚡

Why? Turns out, Gregorian chant actually stimulates the cerebral cortex, helping the brain function better, kind of like coffee for the soul. ☕💡

🎵 But It’s More Than Just Brain Science…

Drew brings in Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, a sacred music expert, who takes the conversation deeper:

💫 Gregorian chant isn’t just pretty noise; it’s perfectly ordered.

🧠 It balances the intellect and emotions, helping us focus and pray.

🙏 It lifts the soul towards God, creating harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

She throws in some ancient wisdom from Boethius, who explained that music connects us to the cosmos, to human nature, and to the divine.

🎸 The Chaos of Disordered Music

Naturally, Drew asks: “What about heavy metal? Or music that’s just… noise?” 🎤🔥

Jennifer says it’s all about order. Music that’s chaotic or purely emotional can stir us up. Sometimes that’s fine, but if that’s ALL we listen to it can leave us stressed, anxious, or even disconnected from God. 😬

Here’s the good news: music therapy is a real thing. Jennifer shares a story of a vet with PTSD who found healing through it. Music has the power to heal, but what you listen to makes a difference. 🎶💖

🕊️ Church Music: Time for a Comeback?

Drew admits that sometimes, modern church music feels more like a punishment than a prayer. 😅 “It doesn’t lift my spirit; it makes me want to run for the door,” he says.

Jennifer agrees that beauty matters. Sacred music isn’t supposed to just “sound nice”; it’s meant to glorify God and edify the faithful. The best sacred music is:

Holy ✝️ It sounds like prayer.

Beautiful 🌟 It draws us toward God, not away.

Universal 🌍 It speaks to all people, across cultures and times.

Bad music at Mass can block people from feeling God’s presence. But great music bridges heaven and earth.

📲 Wanna Dive in Deeper?

🎼 The Relevant Radio app now has a Sacred Music Channel: perfect background for prayer, work, or when your brain feels fried.

So next time you’re stressed, can’t focus, or just need to feel something holy: ditch the Spotify top hits and give Gregorian chant a shot. Your brain, and your soul, might thank you. 🙌

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS