What’s rechoired of you

Despite a close and sometimes rocky relationship with the deity, I don’t consider myself a preacher. Not yet anyway. As such close friends, it would be a conflict of interest to perform for any flock, no matter how doting. However, should I come into possession of an antique pulpit, beautifully carved with elaborate inlays, then I would need a reason to test out the structure’s potential resonance. Philippians anyone?

When did preaching to the choir become a bad thing? Something to be avoided at all costs. Who besides robed singers should you preach to? The janitorial staff as they weave their extension cords through the pews, sucking up hard candies and other Sunday morning contraband? How about rivals, clinking grails in the back as they critique your readings from a lowly perch? 

Choirs, unlike other subsets of society, will get your stupid jokes. You don’t have to explain who Saul became or why scallops are frowned upon to this crowd. They get it all on the first try,  lapping up every reference like a hungry dog enjoying a fresh bowl. It’s only natural. Cooks enjoy preparing meals for buspeople and dishwashers. Why not preachers?

And the fact that they can sing is no accident. I’ve heard the common criticism of musicals as being outrageously unrealistic. Who sings in the rain? Who yodels that the surrounding hills are alert – living things suffering through our muddy missteps? Who croons that one particular season is the sole dominion of a mousy Austrian with bad hair? Not enough people if you ask me. But what these malcontents never stop and think about is would the world be a better place if people simply hummed more? Movies need soundtracks and scores. Is your life so serious that you feel holier than accompaniment? I sure don't.

There’s nothing stopping you from breaking into song at a meeting or while sitting in traffic. In fact, one reliable way to combat road rage is to select from Elton John’s vast catalogue of catchy ditties (as long as you avoid belting out “The Bitch is Back”).

Preach to the choir? With pleasure.