Ablaze
By Ben Walther
"If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze."
—St. Catherine of Siena
Contemporary catholic artist Ben Walther has always believed that God gives people gifts and a passion to use those gifts, yet, like many of us, he often wondered if he was really living out God's calling for his life. If this latest collection is any indication, it's safe to say that he is living proof of one who is doing exactly what God intended for his life.
Produced by Paul Moak at The Smoakstack Studios in Nashville, TN, Ben's sophomore album offers five songs ranging in style from rocking, high energy to simple piano and vocals. With an overall message of living as a bright light in today's darkness, the songs on Ablaze are multipurpose—great for personal devotions and youth and young adult gatherings as well as liturgy.
Drawn from the Gospel of Matthew, "A Light to the Nations" is a call and a prayer that we will be a light for the world. Ideal for sending or commissioning, it would also be an excellent choice for Pentecost. "Jesus Meek and Humble," co-written with Sarah Hart, is modeled after a traditional hymn. Especially appropriate for Lent, this beautiful song follows the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and, thus, will also pair well with a variety of Gospel readings throughout the liturgical year.
The rocking title track urges us: "Let's set the world on fire, let's raise his banner higher." May we all have a flame ignited in each of us so that we may live out our faith as wholeheartedly as Ben does with this album.