St. Michael Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do, thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, cast into hell satan and all of the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Gift of Humility and Was God Generous with me!

I know that humility is a virtue on which I need to work.  I have to admit that I have not prayed to receive this gift, but God knows best, and He does things in His own time, in His own way.  I was given the gift of humility yesterday, and I was given this gift in a way that I will never forget.

I have to back up to Saturday.  This was the first time that I sang at Mass.  I was assigned to sing with a wonderful singer.  We did sound good together, she and I.  We had practiced together, and I did learn a lot from her.  She has a beautiful voice.  She took the lead, and I followed.  It was a success.  I left Mass feeling good about our help with the liturgy. 

Fast forward to Sunday Mass.  The cantor for the Mass did not show up.  I knew that our music director  would be playing and singing alone.  He has a magnificent voice!  I volunteered to help, if he would sing with me.  He did, but I missed cues, notes, and during the Lamb of God, I sang the wrong song.  Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious!  It was terrible!  I hung my head in shame.  I noticed the smell, too.  I had been sweating so much that I smelled.  I slunk out of church avoiding eyes and greetings. 

Brian had been kind.  He assured me that things would get better.   He knew I had been shaking, but I knew I had learned humility yesterday.  Looking down at the Mass and the congregation from that loft opened my eyes and my ears to the wonder of a beautifully sung Mass and how much music can enhance the liturgy or detract from it. 

I will try again another day, but I will never forget Sunday.  God blessed me with an early Christmas gift.  I learned humility through failure.  I learned that through failure, I had been blessed because I could no longer look upon the ministry of music in the same way again.  The seasoned cantors make this ministry look easy.  Trust me when I say this, It’s not an easy ministry.  Timing.  Singing.  Sound.  These elements all matter.  I screwed up, but I was given a good does of humility. 

Thank You, Lord.  You knew.  I learned.  Thank You!

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