Today’s readings challenge us to be Disciples with grateful hearts for God’s healing presence, and for the gift of faith and love. How do we respond to God’s generosity? How to make a return to the Lord for all God’s good gifts? With our lives we can witness a deep sense of gratitude by sharing what we have been given, by good stewardship, and by living life with a consciously grateful heart.
As a musician, I am grateful for the generous people of this Parish who had decided to grace their worship, and worship space, with fine instruments to support their singing in worship. Every time I hear the incredible sound of the lovely organ and the wonderful piano that I am privileged to play in the course of my work, I have the sense that a little piece of heaven has come to earth. That is what liturgy is about though, isn’t it? We experience a sense of the eternal banquet in heaven in the form of the Eucharist, and in worship and praise in the Body of Christ. In our Church’s worship tradition it is no wonder, not surprising, that the organ is the king of instruments and the piano is queen!
The Church, however, as a universal Church, feeds all people who come to the table. Not every person is touched or inspired by the same things. Even in our differences we are all made in the image and likeness of God. There are many mansions, and I like to think that each room for worship in God’s mansion has a different instrument in it! The Scriptures talk of cymbals, drums, lyres (harps), strings, flutes and trumpets. The modern Church includes these and all other keyboards, guitars, wind instruments, etc. in praise of God. (Watch for the Bulletin article of Pope Francis’ comments on the Music Ministry of the Church!)
In gratitude for all the gifts our God has lavished upon us we are called to gift back—to make use of our time, talent and treasure for the building of the Kingdom here, on earth. Today’s Psalm (#98) celebrates God’s love for us: His wondrous deeds, victory, kindness and faithfulness toward us. The Psalm calls us to “Sing joyfully to the Lord—break into song; sing praise!” Show your gratitude today like the Samaritan in the Gospel story by lifting up your voice to God in song, and by witnessing an every-day attitude of gratitude!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
As a musician, I am grateful for the generous people of this Parish who had decided to grace their worship, and worship space, with fine instruments to support their singing in worship. Every time I hear the incredible sound of the lovely organ and the wonderful piano that I am privileged to play in the course of my work, I have the sense that a little piece of heaven has come to earth. That is what liturgy is about though, isn’t it? We experience a sense of the eternal banquet in heaven in the form of the Eucharist, and in worship and praise in the Body of Christ. In our Church’s worship tradition it is no wonder, not surprising, that the organ is the king of instruments and the piano is queen!
The Church, however, as a universal Church, feeds all people who come to the table. Not every person is touched or inspired by the same things. Even in our differences we are all made in the image and likeness of God. There are many mansions, and I like to think that each room for worship in God’s mansion has a different instrument in it! The Scriptures talk of cymbals, drums, lyres (harps), strings, flutes and trumpets. The modern Church includes these and all other keyboards, guitars, wind instruments, etc. in praise of God. (Watch for the Bulletin article of Pope Francis’ comments on the Music Ministry of the Church!)
In gratitude for all the gifts our God has lavished upon us we are called to gift back—to make use of our time, talent and treasure for the building of the Kingdom here, on earth. Today’s Psalm (#98) celebrates God’s love for us: His wondrous deeds, victory, kindness and faithfulness toward us. The Psalm calls us to “Sing joyfully to the Lord—break into song; sing praise!” Show your gratitude today like the Samaritan in the Gospel story by lifting up your voice to God in song, and by witnessing an every-day attitude of gratitude!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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