Like so much of my life, beginning this role was unexpected.....and has lasted longer than anticipated.
Every now and then I evaluate why I keep doing this....I must be getting something out of it, right? besides the money, I mean......although that Has been much of it....for awhile being a lowly musician was my only source of income of any sort....it’s still the easiest way I have of earning needed funds.
there are other reasons, too, of course.
The bottom line is that I like doing it. And sometimes doing what you like is important.
this morning I noticed something: maybe it’s happened before and I just noticed it better today.
Most full masses start by singing (or reciting if there’s no music) the Gloria. I’m no good at the history here.....I’m a church girl (of course) so I do know where these words originate.....
but I’ve no idea how long this has been happening in the church. I know a Long time.....it seems to be part of every classical mass I’ve ever sung.
The musical setting can change (and there’s all sorts of dynamics involved in that, too). I happen to like the musical setting (Gokelman/Kauffman) we started using in the diocese I play within several years ago...
from my (limited) understanding, the Gloria serves as a sort of call to worship....its setting the tone for Why we’ve all gathered here in the 1st place ~ it’s not a creed, exactly.....it’s not declaring Why we believe certain things....but it Is a purposeful and participatory setting of ones heart gaze on Who we’ve gathered for....
the words go like this:
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
this is what I noticed this morning:
I’m exhausted all the time these days (I guess that goes without saying) : this service time has been moved up 1 hour and begins at 8am...That. Is. Too. Early. For. Me. to be getting up on a Sunday morning after working all week (and often Saturdays, too) but the time change has worked well, actually, since my parents need me more on Sunday mornings now.
Sometimes.....often.....I'm pretty slumped in my posture (and in my spirit) at the piano. But as I made it through the opening parts of the Gloria today I found myself sitting up straighter.....my back felt more strong and I had a sense of body/spirit engagement....I realized I was listening to the words, the praise.....and both my body and my heart were responding.
Did I stay this way the entire service?
Probably not.
i probably became distracted at points.....settled back in my chair during the homily, mind wandering...that's ok, really.
it's the story of life : we can't always stay energized,inspired, alert spiritually and physically.
we especially can't if bowed down by care and weariness.
But these moments of inspiration and invigoration matter : and i'm thankful when they happen.
i probably became distracted at points.....settled back in my chair during the homily, mind wandering...that's ok, really.
it's the story of life : we can't always stay energized,inspired, alert spiritually and physically.
we especially can't if bowed down by care and weariness.
But these moments of inspiration and invigoration matter : and i'm thankful when they happen.
"And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!
(Edmund Sears)
