Lou Reed, the singer/songwriter whose death, aged 71, was announced this week, was an unlikely choice of soundtrack for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the UK. But back in 2010 the BBC decided to use the rock star’s song “Perfect Day” as background music to the montage of clips that formed a tribute to their coverage of the papal visit. The idea was thought a little ironic by some, especially given that Benedict had expressed his reservations about rock music. The song was also widely believed to be about heroin, although Reed denied this. Nevertheless, the choice of the song went down well with senior church figures, partly perhaps because one of the lyrics alludes to St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians 6:7, repeating the line: “You’re gonna reap just
02 November 2013, The Tablet
Reaping and sowing
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £30 quarterly
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
The full weekly edition in print and digital including our 179 years archive.
PDF version to view on iPad, iPhone or computer.
Already a subscriber? Login
User Comments (2)
a lot of mental health awareness still needs to come along way in the church, it is a lot better than it has been but still needs some way to go. Regarding mental health with going to mass I totally agree. Attendance to Mass for me on some really hard days is the only form of peace that I can truly find. I have previously had and still have complex mental health needs! As part of my recovery I must have my freedom to be able to go to Mass, and my personal relationship with Jesus. This is my vocation, (we all have a vocation) to do Gods work is very important to me!
I do so agree! Politics is one of the most useless antidotes to depression I have encountered in my 80 years. Vivat our dear good Lord who sorts things out so beautifully! I keep notes around my house so I come across them in unexpected places. There is one under my computer (and we all know how ghastly computers can be!) which reads:
'Your steadfast love, O Lord, sustains me. When the cares of my heart are many, my soul finds comfort in your help.'
Voting for X, Y or Z doesn't have the same effect at all!
Incidentally, the words I have quoted were just as helpful before I was told I didn't have cancer. . .