Turkey Day Thought

In the dialogue between priest and congregation before the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer there is an acknowledgment of the rightness and justice of giving thanks to God. Then the priest continues with that affirmation:

Father, all powerful and ever-living God,
We do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
(Through Jesus Christ our Lord).

While we should have this mindset every day, it is the fourth Thursday in November, a secular holiday, that brings to the forefront our reliance on our Creator for all we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

It is a time to pause and reflect upon His many blessings which are graciously bestowed on us. It is a time to marvel in wonder and awe upon His majesty. It is a time to truly lift our minds and hearts in grateful praise for all we have received.

It is a time to give thanks.

Take a moment during your celebration of this holiday to show your appreciation to God.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Make We Music

With today being the feast day of St. Cecilia, I present a litany used by various members of the Church Music Association of America, using it as a novena every month (beginning on the 22nd.), saluting her martyrdom and asking her intercession "for liturgical music that is beautiful, holy, and universal."

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Litany of St. Cecilia

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, wise virgin, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of Divine love, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, apostle by thy zeal and charity, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who converted thy spouse and procured for him the crown of Martyrdom, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst unceasingly see thy guardian Angel by thy side, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst mingle thy voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, illustrious Martyr of Jesus Christ, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who during three days dist suffer most excruciating torments, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke thee, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, Pray for us.

We salute thee, O Virgin, who didst give thy blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

God glorified Saint Cecilia,
And He crowned her virtues.

Let us pray: O Eternal God, Who didst give us, in the person of Saint Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise Thee and bless Thee forevermore in eternity. Amen.

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My other posts for the day:

Musical Quotes And Thoughts (2005).

Quotes About Notes (2006).

Quotable On Notes (2007).

Canto; Ergo Sum (2008).

Mechanical Musicianship (2009).

A Chanting I Will Go

My continuing self-study of Gregorian Chant takes a more formal route for the next three days.

I will be in Houston, TX for this event.

Looking forward to learning more about this musical form and how to perform it well.

Also looking forward to meeting new people and re-establishing recent acquaintances.

I'm leaving on a jet plane in less than two-and-a-half hours.

Back late Sunday afternoon.

Prayers for safe travel and success are welcome.

Red Hat Report

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has announced the names of 24 prelates to be elevated to the rank of Cardinal.

Among them are two Americans: Cardinal-designate Raymond L. Burke, former Archbishop of St. Louis, MO and current head of the Vatican's highest tribunal, the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, and Cardinal-designate Donald W. Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington, DC.

The appointments truly represent a Universal Church:

"The universality of the church is reflected in the list of new cardinals. In fact, they come from various parts of the world and fulfill different tasks in the service of the Holy See or in direct contact with the people of God as fathers and pastors of particular churches," the pope said.

These princes of the Church will be formally installed on November 20.

UPDATE: A letter of thanksgiving from Archbishop Burke.

Five Year Review

With this post, I launched myself into the world of 'blogging.

Five years later, I'm still posting.

What a long, strange trip this has been.

This has been a blessing for me. As one who naturally is introspective, it has helped bring out things and let me examine my life and the world around me with a touch more thoughtfulness. In my world, seemingly full of paradoxes, I have gone from Socratic contentment to Thoreauvian despair, everywhere in between, and back again. You who have perused my words have shared that wide and sometimes wild range of contemplation and the emotions connected to it.

And I thank you for allowing me to share that.

The Good

Some things I have enjoyed writing more than others. The series of reflections on the "O Anthiphons" and the "Seven Last Words of Christ" I still hold are my most popular posts; hence, they have been a staple of Advent and Lent since this 'blog's inception. The images and words of Independence Day, also an annual staple, are a reminder of where we as a country have been, where we are, and where we are going. My reflections on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, Good Friday, and the feast of St. Cecilia act as mileposts as well about those subjects.

These are a few of my favorite things. I hope some of them have been yours, as well.

The Bad

According to Blogger, this will be my 527th. post. I would have to say that number is actually lower because of the re-posting of many articles. Averaging less than a hundred posts a year is a low figure; I am sure there are 'bloggers whose output per month is more than that. While I have never been about quantity, I do regret not posting on a more consistent basis. My frequency is a reflection on my indifference more than my inspiration. My appreciation of professional writers has increased a hundred-fold since undertaking this.

I know I don't have the greatest writing style in the world, either. My words are simple and simplistic. Sometimes I come off very trite. Again, I am not a professional; I am one of a myriad who think they have something to say. Some times I do OK; others, I fall flat.

Yet, I will keep using my keyboard.

The Ugly

I have not wanted this to be a "what's going on in my life" on-line journal, but it has partially become that. Which brings me to what is the most paradoxical thing about me. I find it so easy to let complete strangers know about my every fault; yet those who are close to me find it very difficult to get me to be open. Put that in context of my relationship to God and it becomes even more stark. He absolutely knows me; yet, He is still somewhat a stranger to me.

My small readership know about the trials and tribulations I have had the past six-plus years. (Remember a recession is when your neighbor is unemployed and a depression is when you are.) With only two exceptions totaling fourteen months, a regular paycheck has eluded me since March 2004. Not to say I have not been without income during this time (worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, officiating fees), but the fact is I have not been able to sufficiently support myself for a while.

This is my dark night of the soul. The doubts of whether I will find anything in this current economic condition grow with every rejection of an application. The ache caused by my tendinitis is a reminder of how limited are my options. There are times I wonder if my economic shelf life has expired. It is amazing Satan hasn't exploited this idle mind, let alone this troubled spirit.

A Still, Small Voice

Yet, God is with me. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

He has shown His mercy. I have written about the proof of that.

Because of this 'blog, because I was able to establish an honest presence, because I was found to be trustworthy, I was able to get through the toughest two weeks of my life.

Because of this 'blog, someone took me into her home when I seemingly had no where else to go.

Because of this 'blog, I have met (some in person, most still virtual strangers) those who inspire me to "be perfect(ed) as your Heavenly Father is perfect."

Because of this 'blog, perhaps I will become more Christ-like.

Perhaps, because of this 'blog, I have helped a soul or two, out of the over 34,000 visits to date.

All because I wanted to expand my infinitesimal corner of the universe.

The welcome mat is still out.

My invitation from five years ago still stands.

Honorable Ads

Anheuser-Busch has been a strong advertiser during the Super Bowl. Their angles for their commercials range from stupid to cute to silly to humorous. On this day, however, these two are so appropriate. (And, in my very humble opinion, their best.)

It is reported this commercial only ran once during Super Bowl XXXVI. Judging by the snow on the ground, it had to had been made during the winter shortly after the atttacks:



There weren't a lot of worthwhile ads during Super Bowl XXXIX. This one struck the most appropriate timbre:

9/11 Plus Nine Years

New York, New York.

Washington, District of Columbia.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Three communities. One destiny.

Nine years ago today, the United States lost whatever innocence it had.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and some unknown target (if others wish to speculate, let them) left this country visibly shaken.

One year short of a decade later, the physical, psychological, and emotional scars still remain.

We will never be the same. The question which still lingers is how will it change us, as individuals and a nation. The answer is still not within our grasp.

"Peace on earth" now really seems like a pipe dream. Humanity doesn't want it badly enough. Satan chortles with glee at this.

For those who believe in Jesus Christ, Who, as St. Paul said, has given us the victory over sin and death, Who is the true Prince of Peace as foretold by Isaiah, this incident strikes at the very root of our faith.

Do we trust that out of this act of evil a greater good will prevail?

All we can do is persevere. All we can do is hope. All we can say is, "My Lord and My God."

The prayer intentions I suggested in my 2007 post Remember Again are still valid.

Let us not forget. While I'm sure there will be more added this year, the following videos suggest we haven't:

A Great Deal Of None

It is a few minutes before midnight when I write this.

It is just to keep a streak in tact.

I have never failed to post something in every month which this 'blog has existed.

That is the only purpose for these words.

I also noticed it's been since my birthday since I have said anything.

The status quo is still status quo: job opportunities are few and far between, the high school sports season is under way, the first church choir rehearsal is Thursday.

I do have things I wish to say.

New posts are forthcoming.

I am still here.

Just to let you know.

Sixteen Candles Thrice

Yes, it is that time.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to see this day.

Despite the doubt and worry (and, sometimes, not a small measure of bitterness at times), I am truly grateful to be alive.

I really think that is why we celebrate birthdays. This day has a way of focusing one's attention on how benevolent and generous God is to you, because you focus on the very first gift He has bestowed: coming into being. It is a way to "share your Master's joy" just because you now exist. It is a way to remind yourself that despite "all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams," you are made in His image and likeness and are "very good".

I really only have one wish:

One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.

Psalm 27:4

May the following days bring me abundant blessings.

Say a prayer for me.

Resurection Renevation

It is one of the most impressive religious statues in the world.

A $4 million restoration is a small price to pay.

The history of this work of art is found here.