Easter – Rejoice!

As I’ve previously written, there I’ve experienced many facets of  Easter.

  For me, Easter is a spiritual day to reflect on God’s great love for his people; a day that Christians around the world celebrate as their most sacred day, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.

My personal expression of Easter is best demonstrated in song.

Exultet, the Easter Proclamation is a centuries old prayer telling of God’s love throughout all of history, calling on all creation to give praise for the resurrection.

It’s sung only once a year, during the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday.

I’ve been privileged several times to sing Exultet.  The first time I was in my twenties.

I was going through some personal struggles.  I hadn’t been active in music ministry for a time.

I attended Palm Sunday mass and was last in line for Communion. When I turned to go to my seat I heard the priest call my name.  He asked me to come see him after mass. I said okay.

When we met he said he had a request.

“Cathy, it’s the week before Easter and we don’t have anyone to sing the Easter Proclamation.  Will you do it?”

I was astonished…and he must have seen this.  How would I do this in a week?  …was I even worthy?

“I know you can do this…your voice will fill this church…will you come to the Rectory?  I’ll walk you through it.”

The following week I was privileged to sing this prayer for the first time.  It gave me an important lesson during difficult times. You see, the first word of Exultet is REJOICE! 

This is what we are called to do.

The last time I sang Exultet I once again faced struggles.

My special needs daughter had a number of medical issues. I had other personal concerns, too. In all, it was a difficult, exhausting time.

I rehearsed but was very distracted. How would I focus?

I contemplated one of its many lines.

Let this place resound with joy, echoing the mighty song of all God’s people.

I thought of John, a wonderful young man who doesn’t speak.  He is vocal, however.  He sings in church with a groan that comes from deep within.  He inspired me.

Many people think special needs individuals like John and my daughter don’t have a voice.  This is so untrue. We often need to listen in a different way.

I thought, if every person everywhere sang like John we would hear the mighty song of all God’s people!

How would John sing this?  He would sing joyfully and allow the song to come forward freely.  I began to rehearse anew.

On the night of the Easter Vigil I voiced the ancient prayer that was being sung by cantors around the world.  A prayer that connects people through the ages.

Once again, I sang the word REJOICE!

Ever since then, during Lent I recall the Exultet. It comes naturally to me at this time of year.

I remember the call to rejoice!

Have a happy and blessed Easter!

Letter to a (Former?) Bishop

This week the Los Angeles Archdiocese announced that a well-loved bishop resigned as he has fathered two children; they are now teenagers.

The announcement was brief but powerful.  It acknowledged that this is sad and disappointing; it recognized that the reaction and impact will be widespread.

I have been debating about writing this post as it is not my intent to start a debate about Catholic priests and marriage; nor is it my intent to start a debate on the history of scandals in the church.  That being said, I’m aware these comments may still be made.  I respect that.

The shock, sadness and dismay expressed throughout numerous communities are completely understandable.  My personal take on this may be different than some.  I have a short note to express to the former bishop. (Is that the right terminology for a bishop who has resigned?)

I met you before you were ordained.  We called you Gabby. I imagine that fewer people call you that now, but the part of me that is speaking to you is the young person from a parish in East Los Angeles.

You were a deacon in the parish where I was both a music minister and an active leader in the youth group.  Over the years I’ve recognized that I have my shortcomings.  There have been times when I fell and fell hard.  I struggled with the impacts of mistakes that I’ve made…but after reading the announcement of your resignation and why this has happened…well, this is very difficult to fathom.

I reflect back on those times, more than 30 years ago.  You typically had a smile on your face and a warmth that people appreciated.  You were excited to fulfill your vocation.

I have no doubt that back then you saw a road that was full of promise and opportunity to do good.  It’s difficult to comprehend the road that has led to this announcement.

Gabby, what happened? Can you help us understand this?

After your ordination you were assigned to another parish.  We met again briefly about 10 years later.  I had a lot on my mind and you listened intently to what I had to say.  That is my last personal memory of you. 

I am saddened that the work you have done over the years and the causes that you championed may now be called into question.  It is my hope that this can be placed in some type of perspective.

As much I have have been confused and disappointed, I wish you peace.  I pray that you have peace.

Such promise…

Gabby, what happened?

Christmas 2011

O Lord, in the stillness of this morning let us recall the mystery of your love.

A life come to earth that we may learn to love one another,

To live in your love that we may live in peace.

 

To family and friends,

Have a blessed, safe and merry Christmas.

Take time for those you love and be sure to take time for yourself.

- Cathy