Rejoice(?!)

Welcome to Word for the Week, the series in which I:

share my experience of hearing God’s Word in Mass last weekend,
explore what I believe the Lord is calling me to do about that Word, and
ask how this Word might impact your life, as well.

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I arrived at Mass super early this week! Yet I was simultaneously a few minutes late for rehearsal. Some things never change. The good news is, I got to play with the music ministry team!

It was glorious to play an acoustic piano again! While I’m grateful for my full-length Roland keyboard at home, there’s nothing like a grand piano (except maybe the Nord Stage 3, but I digress). My soul soared when I sang in harmony with other professional vocalists again. And on top of that to also lead the congregation in song? *Happy sigh*

I’ve missed liturgical music ministry a lot.

And the homily! I’ve heard some pretty poor homilies on Trinity Sunday in the past. This one was thoughtful, eloquent, and it took me on a surprising journey. Our pastor preached on the Divine Revelation of the Triune God through the words of Christ. He explained how Christ pointed us to the strongest image of God’s love through the fruitful union of man and woman.

Then, Fr. John asked whether the dignity of the individual always stands, regardless of the circumstances of conception and birth. He gave many examples, from broken marriages to couples who happened to hook up once. With each example, he affirmed that life is a sign of God’s love!

At the very end of the homily, Fr. John emphatically stated, “And THAT is why racism is wrong.” And then he sat down.

The word that stood out to me in Mass was “rejoice!” This week, I feel called to keep finding things to rejoice about, and to share that jubilation with others. Specifically, I need to keep sharing through my songs and writing. And I believe I’m called to in turn invite my friends to rejoice.

So, it’s my turn to ask you: what blessings have you seen in the past 24 hours worthy of rejoicing over? In our family we like to talk about our “rose and thorn” for the day, but earlier this year a friend taught us to add in our “rose bud” (that would represent a sign of hope)! What are some roses or rose buds in your life right now?

Let’s rejoice together?! Here are some images of me as a child, in hopes that I can receive the Kingdom of Heaven as a child this week. In hopes that we can answer this call together: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” -2 Corinthians 13:11

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