Ordinary Time 8

“I will never forget you, my people. I have carved you on the palm of my hand…”


These tender words are echoed in the song, “Isaiah 49” written by Carey Landry © 1979 OCP. We will sing this as a meditation hymn at the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday. The tender melody provides a peaceful backdrop to the lyrics, written in classic melodic style.

In our first reading the Prophet Isaiah writes, “Can a mother forget her infant, be without the tenderness for the child of her womb?” The question is asked not to call to mind the neglect of a parent, but to remind us that even the greatest and most tender love that a mother has for her children could never compare to the unconditional love our Father in heaven has for us. He has set us as a "mark" and a "seal" upon his heart. He is ever mindful of us. He is ever watchful of us.

Psalm 139 reminds us that even before we were born, while still in our mother’s womb, God knew every secret we would tell, every song we would sing, every tear we would cry, every person we would embrace. With our Father watching over us, why should we worry? We sing it, and we must believe it and live it! For He says, “Even if these forget, I will never forget my own!”

Wedding Music Workshop

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Ordinary Time 6

“I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine.”

The lyrics are from the song, “I Have Loved You," by Michael Joncas for Oregon Catholic Press, © 1979. We will sing this song at Communion this weekend. Rev. Michael Joncas is known as a liturgical composer, author, and professor. He is probably best known for his beautifully written composition, “On Eagle‟s Wings."

In 1985 I attended the Eighth Annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians in Cincinnati, OH. On Wednesday evening of that week there was a concert, “The Cry of the Poor," given to benefit Catholic Relief Services' work with the famine in Africa. Rev. Michael Joncas spoke that evening about love, compassion and his own motivation to aid in CRS's life-saving works of mercy. That night, in the Cincinnati Convention Center, together with composers and thousands of pastoral musicians, we recorded the album, “The Cry of the Poor." It showcased many songs that were just beginning to be sung at Mass, such as “Be Not Afraid," “Change Our Hearts,” and “On Eagle‟s Wings." To record a song with its composer present is a privilege and an experience one never forgets. This week, as we sing, “I Have Loved You,” let us remember the message of God‟s love for His people that Fr. Joncas portrayed so beautifully.

Ordinary Time 5

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

For the next few weeks, we'll hear Matthew's Gospel as he describes Jesus as "teacher" in the "Sermon on the Mount.‟ The above lyrics to the song, “Thy Word” by recording artist, Amy Grant describe Jesus‟ words as essential tools for life. “When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still you’re there right beside me! Nothing will I fear as long as you are near. You are near me to the end!” This song is a favorite of The Choristers, who will sing it at the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday morning. Most of us leave a lamp lit in the window upon leaving our homes. It is a comforting sight as we return home to an otherwise dark house. Neighbors see the lamp and assume we‟re at home. There is "life‟ in the house! So it is with our very souls. To "light the lamp‟ of our souls is to shine God‟s light on a world enveloped in the darkness of sin and apathy. Others experience the good, and pass it on. A small act of kindness may be simply to hold open an elevator door when we‟re really in a hurry, or even to allow someone to merge into our lane on Interstate 79! Through our own baptism, we are called to be "salt of the earth." If we think about the uses of salt, we are reminded that it is a preservative and a flavor enhancer. Jesus tells us to "make better‟ the lives of others, to "preserve‟ them from going bad. To fail to do this is to become like a hidden lamp or tasteless salt. And like our lamps that shine from our windows to the street, may our lights shine on the paths of others to light their way to Christ!