The Way To Prepare, Again

Once again, we cry, "Maranatha!"

Once again, a variation of this appears on our dining room table.

Then, almost without warning, these make their presence known.

Yes, Advent is here. While we make all the material preparations for Christmas, the spiritual ones also command our attention. And so the next "four" weeks are set aside, corresponding with Israel's wait for the Messiah as foretold by the Prophets.

The theme is one of repentance, echoed in the ministry of St. John the Baptist. While not as severe as Lent, it is still a reminder of how sin, Original and individual, still mars the creation of God and the reason Jesus Christ came into this world.

Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are in the last days of our confinement. She, who has carried Him within her womb for the past eight months, will soon be delivered. May this Advent Season be filled with every grace and blessing as we await with joyful hope for the Prince of  Peace, which surpasses all telling, and the King of Love, which knows no bounds.

May we truly be ready to do this.

2014 Thanksgiving Day Card

May our gracious God, Who bestows upon His creation all good things, continue to look kindly towards what He has made. May our loving Father, through his Son and in the Spirit, provide for our needs and fill our hearts with His love. May we, made in His image and likeness, give glad voice in praise and thanksgiving for all the blessing bestowed the past year, this day, and the coming weeks and months.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Catch Of A Lifetime

I never got into fishing when I was a child, but this is truly a whopper of a tale.

Alerted by a "friend of a friend" on Facebook, a sincere fedora doff goes to Deacon Greg Kandra, the 'blogmaster of The Deacon's Bench, which is found at the website Pathos. The above photo is from his 'blog; the story, from the original source.

Talk about "duc in altum".

A Church Musician's Musings

Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. She is the patron saint of musicians; thus, as I claim to be a church musician, she has an important role in my spiritual life. (And if anyone needs her intercession in this matter, I sure do.)

At the end of 1992 I wrote a brief position paper as part of a contest involving music in one's life. At that time, I was just starting my seventh year "making a joyful noise unto the Lord", albeit primarily as a volunteer in my local parishes (although I did have a two paid positions on my resume). This was a great opportunity to put down on paper my own thoughts and beliefs about the subject.

While I had made very minor edits over the years, it really hasn't changed much until a few months ago when I added a new section. As my yearly tribute to the second most important female saint in my life, I present those thoughts and beliefs to you (edited for format):

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ON BEING A CHURCH MUSICIAN

INTRODUCTION

Music has complimented religious actions since earliest times.  Examples abound:  the myths of Orpheus, the psalmody of David, the chants of cultures throughout the world, the plainsong of the medieval church.  Because of its ability and potential to express the inexpressible, the role of music in spiritual activities has helped to shape the worship relationship of human beings to divine beings.

As some religions became more formal and institutional, so did the role of those who provided the music.  As if in response to a divine directive, people took up the task of praising their god through the inspiration of song.  This tradition, this mission, this vocation has found its way into many Christian churches in past history.  Other than being called as ordained clergy, there is no more significant role in the church than of church musician.  This is reflected by the quote attributed to Augustine of Hippo, "He who sings prays twice."

The gifts are different but the results are the same.  Whether as vocalist/chorister, instrumentalist, organist/pianist/keyboardist, composer/arranger, or conductor, the contribution of good music in the church enhances and elevates an act of worship.  It is a calling as noble as the art, as worthy as the individual, and as dignified as any position in the service of God.

THE CHURCH MUSICIAN’S TRUE ROLE

A church musician is more than a person who just provides appropriate music during a liturgy. The true role of a church musician is one of not only aiding prayer, but also one of being a pray-er (one who prays).  It is to assist the congregation in finding its collective voice, to help raise minds and hearts to adore and contemplate what is being worshipped, and to supplement and compliment the action and words of the rite.

Today, music has a vital role in a church's mission.  It is not something that can be use or discarded as one pleases. It has observable functions to those within the church.  There are three areas which music serves to enrich the life of a congregation.

INSTRUMENT OF LITURGY

Music's first and foremost duty is to be an integral part of the act of worship.  The use of music helps signify something out of the ordinary is happening, suggesting something other-worldly or supernatural is occurring.  While it helps to raise the awareness of the whole person, music, like candles, incense, and vestments, must blend with the whole of the liturgical experience.  For those who have sat through any kind of liturgy void of music and found it dry and uninspiring, the point is made.

A concern when using music is keeping the focus on the act of worship (and therefore God) and not putting on a show (and therefore not focusing on God).  While artistry is necessary, it must be play a supporting role.  An act of worship is itself a ritual and therefore could be thought of as a performance (meaning acting according to form).  While it is satisfactory that it is done to worship God, it is more pleasing when it is done to the best of the musicians’s/worshiper’s ability.

INSTRUMENT OF MINISTRY

Congregational members are invited and encouraged to give of themselves in service to their church. By formally participating in a church’s music program, an individual is given the opportunity to develop those talents God has given them and be of service.  They can utilize this resource for the benefit of the congregation as well as their own personal and spiritual growth.

Like the parable of the talents, this gift must not be selfishly buried within the walls of the church building.  Rather, it should be shared with others outside the congregation and used as a means of evangelization.  The enrichment of lives through this means, however imperceptible, is immeasurable.

INSTRUMENT OF FELLOWSHIP

A church recognizes the social dimension of its congregation.  Human beings are social creatures; the need to simply be with other people is maybe the most overlooked. Performing groups and concerts are ways where this gathering with others can be accomplished.

To be united in a common effort can create a bond between people and a synergy from them. When there is a common denominator, activities take on a meaningful, focused purpose.  When the goal is the glorification of God through music, the activity becomes a prayer.  When done with God's blessing, it has a sanctifying purpose.

CONCLUSION

This paper is not a definitive statement, but rather a personal reflection.  As maturity comes spiritually, personally, and professionally these views will be enlarged and refined by that better vision.  This definition shall continue to evolve.

One of the great inspirations for music is the Gospel.  The message and the medium fit together well. Music can be use by God to enhance our relationship with Him and others.  Its mystical power speaks to the heart and soul as little else can.

It is said music is a universal language.  Music can be considered the language of the church. God's presence is sometimes aural.  Perhaps music is His voice.

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The paper, like me, is still a work in progress. Both, with the grace of God, can mature spiritually, personally, and professionally. May my voice give Him glory.

St. Cecilia, pray for us.

All you choirs of angels, pray for us.

November 2014 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Lonely people. That all who suffer loneliness may experience the closeness of God and the support of others. 

Evangelization Intention - Mentors of seminarians and religious.  That young seminarians and religious may have wise and well-formed mentors.

Tribute To A True Reformer

Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R.

July 23, 1933 – October 3, 2014

As a tribute to this saintly priest, a shining example of what it truly means to be altus Christus, whose Mass of Christian Burial is occuring now, the poem which was his earthly inspiration:

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"Hads't thou stayed, I must have fled!"
That is what the Vision said. 

In his chamber all alone,
Kneeling on the floor of stone,
Prayed the Monk in deep contrition
For his sins of indecision,
Prayed for greater self-denial
In temptation and in trial;
It was noonday by the dial,
And the Monk was all alone.
Suddenly, as if it lightened,
An unwonted splendor brightened
All within him and without him
In that narrow cell of stone;
And he saw the Blessed Vision
Of our Lord, with light Elysian
Like a vesture wrapped about him,
Like a garment round him thrown. 

Not as crucified and slain,
Not in agonies of pain,
Not with bleeding hands and feet,
Did the Monk his Master see;
But as in the village street,
In the house or harvest-field,
Halt and lame and blind he healed,
When he walked in Galilee. 

In an attitude imploring,
Hands upon his bosom crossed,
Wondering, worshipping, adoring,
Knelt the Monk in rapture lost.
Lord, he thought, in heaven that reignest,
Who am I, that thus thou deignest
To reveal thyself to me?
Who am I, that from the centre
Of thy glory thou shouldst enter
This poor cell, my guest to be? 

Then amid his exaltation,
Loud the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Rang through court and corridor
With persistent iteration
He had never heard before.
It was now the appointed hour
When alike in shine or shower,
Winter's cold or summer's heat,
To the convent portals came
All the blind and halt and lame,
All the beggars of the street,
For their daily dole of food
Dealt them by the brotherhood;
And their almoner was he
Who upon his bended knee,
Rapt in silent ecstasy
Of divinest self-surrender,
Saw the Vision and the Splendor.
Deep distress and hesitation
Mingled with his adoration;_
Should he go, or should he stay?
Should he leave the poor to wait
Hungry at the convent gate,
Till the Vision passed away?
Should he slight his radiant guest,
Slight this visitant celestial,
For a crowd of ragged, bestial
Beggars at the convent gate?
Would the Vision there remain?
Would the Vision come again?
Then a voice within his breast
Whispered, audible and clear
As if to the outward ear:
"Do thy duty; that is best;
Leave unto thy Lord the rest!" 

Straightway to his feet he started,
And with longing look intent
On the Blessed Vision bent,
Slowly from his cell departed,
Slowly on his errand went. 

At the gate the poor were waiting,
Looking through the iron grating,_
With that terror in the eye
That is only seen in those
Who amid their wants and woes
Hear the sound of doors that close,
And of feet that pass them by;
Grown familiar with disfavor,
Grown familiar with the savor
Of the bread by which men die!
But to-day, they knew not why,
Like the gate of Paradise
Seemed the convent gate to rise,
Like a sacrament divine
Seemed to them the bread and wine.
In his heart the Monk was praying,
Thinking of the homeless poor,
What they suffer and endure;
What we see not, what we see;
And the inward voice was saying:
"Whatsoever thing thou doest
To the least of mine and lowest,
That thou doest unto me!" 

Unto me! but had the Vision
Come to him in beggar's clothing,
Come a mendicant imploring,
Would he then have knelt adoring,
Or have listened with derision,
And have turned away with loathing. 

Thus his conscience put the question,
Full of troublesome suggestion,
As at length, with hurried pace,
Towards his cell he turned his face,
And beheld the convent bright
With a supernatural light,
Like a luminous cloud expanding
Over floor and wall and ceiling. 

But he paused with awe-struck feeling
At the threshold of his door,
For the Vision still was standing
As he left it there before,
When the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Summoned him to feed the poor.
Through the long hour intervening
It had waited his return,
And he felt his bosom burn,
Comprehending all the meaning,
When the Blessed Vision said,
"Hadst thou stayed, I must have fled!" 

"The Theologian's Tale; The Legend Beautiful"

From Tales of A Wayside Inn (1863)

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

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Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Requiem In Pace.

October 2014 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Peace. That the Lord may grant peace to those parts of the world most battered by war and violence.

Evangelization Intention - World Mission Day. That World Mission Day may rekindle in every believer zeal for carrying the Gospel into all the world.

Birthday Of "Our National Anthem"

I have had the honor of both singing (in a play in 1976) and playing (on the trumpet before a junior college basketball game in 1980) this as a solo. Both times were done with the dignity the song deserves.

The words belong to Francis Scott Key; the melody, John Stafford Smith (as documented here).

In honor of the bicentennial of its birth, beginning with the events at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD, (although not adopted as the nation's official song until 1931), the verse we know and the three we don't:

O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Long may she wave.

And may we continue to be the last line, God help us.

End Of The Ninth

Remember this?

Seems so long ago.

Yet, here I am; my infinitesimal corner of the universe has concluded its ninth year of existence.

It's still more hobby than anything, and in my mind that is OK. I am not a professional writer. To be prolific was never a goal. To have something meaningful to say and expressing it in a thoughtful manner has always been my goal.

Have I succeeded? At times. It seems I have taken a more "it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness" approach as this has evolved. I have to remind myself it takes the same amount of energy to build as it does to destroy. There are plenty of other 'blogs that kvetch well on whatever is the crisis du jour.

Mark Twain's admonition is always at the forefront. I hopefully understand the limits of my intelligence; but I also want to expand that. I still want to know things. Robert Browning's inquiry still drives me.

To those who do visit to see if I have something to say about anything, I thank you. I realize original posts are few and far between. While I have a life outside of the internet and more pressing matters at hand, the desire to continue this remains.

And I will.

I got to get through the next twelve months.

Any anniversary ending with a "0" is a milestone.

The Unlucky 13th.

Thirteen years ago this morning the skyline of New York City looked liked this:

How fast did that change.

The world has never been the same since.

And neither have we.

The scars are still there, despite our best efforts to alleviate them. We continue to mourn, as we should. We gather to remember and memorialize. We mark this sad day with the solemnity it deserves. As I have said before, this is my very modest tribute to the day. Go find others which have meaning to you.

While evil is still with humanity, there are times when it becomes seemingly invisible to the point of being oblivious. It is a moment like this that brings it back upon the collective radar of the public psyche. And while this blip has been duly noted, one wonders if its echoes are not found in current events.

Evil cannot be ignored. Yes, it is larger than our selves, as individual and society. It is overwhelming, the whole and the sum of its parts. It only wants one thing:  surrender.

But evil will never have that. Victory has already been won through the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We, His brothers and sisters, only have to cooperate with the graces dispensed at Calvary. And, yes, it starts with the individual. The first rule of Christian ethics is "do good and avoid evil".

It will be a never-ending battle while on earth. We have our weapon of choice for this spiritual warfare, for that is the biggest picture of all is what it seen and unseen. Let us fight the good fight, so as to claim our share of the spoils.

That is the lifetime challenge. Today, let us remember the events which happened in New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA. The new Patriots Day.