This Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time both the Old Testament Reading and the Gospel today speak of suffering servants. In Isaiah we hear that the will of the Lord will be accomplished because of the servants’ suffering. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus came to serve, and we must emulate His example.
We hear in the Word that we are called to serve. How can we not answer this call? Discipleship may be lived out in our parish in many ways, and in many ministries, including the one I am responsible for: the Music Ministry. Our Church documents remind us all that although there are some particular Ministers of Music, all members of the body are called to sing! (Warning: I sometimes look around when announcing the hymns to see who bothers to pick up a hymnal…)
You can ask: why sing? Or even, why join the Music Ministry? Our Church documents tell us that the liturgy, our Sunday worship, is “the great song of praise of God’s people.” This song forms us into the body of Christ. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says singing together will “intensify the unity of the people.” This is mission! In the liturgy, the Music Ministry helps the Assembly to hear and to pray the Word of God; and so it helps us all encounter Christ⎯the living song of God. We sing in thankfulness of God’s faithfulness. We sing that God’s mercy is greater than our sin; we sing that God’s love is stronger than death.
So, where then, is the suffering part? For our St. Aidan musicians it means keeping the Thursday evening rehearsal commitment when it is easier to stay at home for some (or any) reason. It is wanting to sleep late and attend the 11:30 Mass, but you get up and go early because we are scheduled to sing the 9:30am Mass. It is letting our families know when planning gatherings and events that you are serious about this ministry commitment. It is singing for Christmas Midnight Mass (or the Easter Saturday Vigil) and then getting up the next morning to sing Mass again although your formal ‘obligation’ to attend Mass has already been fulfilled.
Of course, we all know this is obviously not the same suffering as what Christ endured for us; but it is serving the Community with your ability, your gifts; your time and talent and treasure—even when it is not convenient or easy. The funny thing is that while serving, you will find that you receive in turn: the satisfaction of helping someone; the joy of relationships in communities of work, service and love; the fulfillment of working in the ‘field of souls.’ And there are so many ministries in our parish from which to choose!
If you do have the gift of a pleasant voice, however, and can sing in tune; and if you love music⎯and have the fortitude for hard work in service⎯consider signing up for the Music Ministry. Please come and see me when I get back. If not, find another mission, then, but still: Keep singing! (At least from the pew…)
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a Note: I read this meditation from Dr. Barbara Holmes and found it comforting as I work through my therapy to attain my PT goals. “Whatever is going on in your life right now, this too shall pass. Where do you find your joy? If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry. Your soul knows the steps. Wherever life finds you, don’t forget to dance and sing with the God who dances like the whirlwind with you.” Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support!
We hear in the Word that we are called to serve. How can we not answer this call? Discipleship may be lived out in our parish in many ways, and in many ministries, including the one I am responsible for: the Music Ministry. Our Church documents remind us all that although there are some particular Ministers of Music, all members of the body are called to sing! (Warning: I sometimes look around when announcing the hymns to see who bothers to pick up a hymnal…)
You can ask: why sing? Or even, why join the Music Ministry? Our Church documents tell us that the liturgy, our Sunday worship, is “the great song of praise of God’s people.” This song forms us into the body of Christ. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says singing together will “intensify the unity of the people.” This is mission! In the liturgy, the Music Ministry helps the Assembly to hear and to pray the Word of God; and so it helps us all encounter Christ⎯the living song of God. We sing in thankfulness of God’s faithfulness. We sing that God’s mercy is greater than our sin; we sing that God’s love is stronger than death.
So, where then, is the suffering part? For our St. Aidan musicians it means keeping the Thursday evening rehearsal commitment when it is easier to stay at home for some (or any) reason. It is wanting to sleep late and attend the 11:30 Mass, but you get up and go early because we are scheduled to sing the 9:30am Mass. It is letting our families know when planning gatherings and events that you are serious about this ministry commitment. It is singing for Christmas Midnight Mass (or the Easter Saturday Vigil) and then getting up the next morning to sing Mass again although your formal ‘obligation’ to attend Mass has already been fulfilled.
Of course, we all know this is obviously not the same suffering as what Christ endured for us; but it is serving the Community with your ability, your gifts; your time and talent and treasure—even when it is not convenient or easy. The funny thing is that while serving, you will find that you receive in turn: the satisfaction of helping someone; the joy of relationships in communities of work, service and love; the fulfillment of working in the ‘field of souls.’ And there are so many ministries in our parish from which to choose!
If you do have the gift of a pleasant voice, however, and can sing in tune; and if you love music⎯and have the fortitude for hard work in service⎯consider signing up for the Music Ministry. Please come and see me when I get back. If not, find another mission, then, but still: Keep singing! (At least from the pew…)
Elizabeth Dyc
Just a Note: I read this meditation from Dr. Barbara Holmes and found it comforting as I work through my therapy to attain my PT goals. “Whatever is going on in your life right now, this too shall pass. Where do you find your joy? If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry. Your soul knows the steps. Wherever life finds you, don’t forget to dance and sing with the God who dances like the whirlwind with you.” Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support!
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