Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not simply the recitation of the words "that's all right," "I forgive you," or "don't worry about it." Even should these words be spoken from the heart and in all sincerity, this is not the whole of what forgiveness requires. True forgiveness of another is to resist recalling to mind the hurt that was suffered, to nevermore hold the sin against the offender. One hurt suffered years ago, though forgiven in word only once, may require one to forgive it mentally seventy times seven times, over and over, each time it is remembered. If this is not carefully attended to, one may run the risk of holding grudges interiorly (however slight) against those who have offended him, while outwardly professing to have forgiven them.

A Country Peasant Girl

I'm just a little peasant girl
As simple as can be
I'm poorer than the rest of them;
What can you want with me?

No virtues have I to speak of
I'm terribly proud and cross;
My Lord, you wish to marry me?
Oh, Sir, I'm at a loss!

Indeed sir, yes I love you,
More than anyone can tell;
But our lives are very different
A union won't fare well.

You're a great and mighty lord
With wealth beyond compare;
Dances, parties, dinners, balls,
All these are your fare.

I'm just a country peasant girl
I don't know very much
Of society or fashion,
Or theatres and such.

I'm just a simple peasant girl
think what your friends will say
If you bring me home as bride-
They'll not approve, not they!

If our situation was
Of a different kind--
Oh sir, it seems what's said is true
Your love is simply blind.

And the Lord Said to Moses

"And the Lord said to Moses..."

What terrifying words! The Lord spoke to Moses. What awe Moses must have felt at these times. To be sure, he must have listened intently to every instruction, felt the weight of each word, and held His statutes ever in the forefront of his mind. Would I have done and felt the same? I need not ask this question rhetorically, for God Himself speaks to me daily in the readings at Mass! Rather, I ask myself, do I listen to my Lord as I should? Do I listen at all?

How many times I have sat in church allowing my mind to wander off as if nothing important were happening. How often I have ignored the Word of God and let my fancy take me where it will! And yet what is happening during the readings is very important-- of the utmost importance. For the Word of God comes to us, as it did to the prophets to prepare humanity for the Savior's entrance into the world. In a similar way, but greater by far, the Word of God prepares us to receive the Word Incarnate,  into our very selves! With what gravity, awe, and attention should we regard the readings at Holy Mass!

The Choral Conductor

The choral conductor is a master musician who plays the most difficult, varied, and sensitive instruments: human beings. And the members of the choir have the noble task of using their own bodies, created by God, as instruments for His greater glory.  In the earthly choir, each member has his own will, and must control himself according to the wishes of the conductor, who labors to bring forth from the choir the most perfect sound of which it is capable. In the same way Our Lord, the Master Conductor, teaches, leads, admonishes, and encourages His Choir in order to bring forth evermore the beautiful Music of His Goodness. May the Choir always endeavor to conform to its Conductor's will in all things!