I know that this isn't the first time that I have used this quote, but it has been so foundational for me for the past 15 years of ministry that I felt that it deserved the headline on my final thoughts. This quote, in fact, has literally been a part of me since I started working here because that November I got my first and only tattoo and these are the words I chose to physically carry with me. Why these words and not a scripture verse? Well, I think that this sums up the GREAT COMMANDMENT, to love God and neighbor, pretty well and it reminds me that little things done with the right heart can make profound differences in the lives of others. Some people do great big world altering things because God has called them to that, but most of us are just called to be Jesus to the people that we meet every day and that means being God's love, compassion, mercy, and justice in a world where those ideas have a more "human" meaning.
I was talking with Connie Messinger on Monday and we were tossing about all kinds of Catholic ideas and she said, "I wish that we could do the foot washing at every Mass." And my heart went, YES!!! She reminded me of the center point of why we gather together around the family Thanksgiving table for Mass each week. "Do this in memory of me (Jesus)! Love and serve each other, but I know that on your own it's too hard. So come and be in communion with me and one another and go forth to bring the good news of life and forgiveness and love to EVERYONE you know (me in the voice of Jesus because I'm a little prideful that way)!
Sometimes we get so caught up in all of the other things that go along with being Catholic, and we argue over the "right way" to be Catholic or talk about liberal and conservative Catholics that we forget the simplicity of the message. Simple, but not easy.
So, of course, I have a song for you about being aware of God's presence, realizing that every moment is sacred, and reminding us that big love happens in small moments. This is from a series of lullabies by JJ Heller that I still listen to even though our babies are all grown up. This particular one has stuck with me this week:
A Summer Blessing
"May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do wherever you go. Walking with God means... walking with honesty and with courage. Walking with love and respect and concern for the feelings of others. May you talk to God this summer on every day and in every situation. Talking with God means... praying words of praise for the beauty of creation. Saying prayers of thanks for friends and good times. Asking God's help in all of your decisions. Expressing sorrow when you have failed. May you walk and talk with God every day this summer."
@BeliefNet
And because it's my final note, I thought that I would take everyone full circle. My first job at Blessed Sacrament was Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation, and our theme for the year was SHINE. We had a speaker come for kickoff and we used the song, "Stand in the Light" at all of our gathered events that year. Dominic Zoeller even sang it at Mass one week! It was AWESOME! This is one of those songs that you need to turn up and belt out. I wish I could have found a version with the lyrics for you, but the very end says this:
"We got to stand, stand, stand... for your brother, for your sister, love one another
For peace and justice
When life gets so tough... God is among us
For the poor and lonely
Give us mercy
It's time to show them...
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
BECOME A SIGN
MADE BY DESIGN
STAND IN THE LIGHT!!"
BECOME A SIGN
MADE BY DESIGN
STAND IN THE LIGHT!!"
And even though I won't be at this desk but for a few more hours and Tim and I won't be here in Midland but for a few more months, it gives me great consolation to know that we will be standing together in the Universal Light of Christ and held together by the golden thread of love that I see as the Holy Spirit!
Thank you for the privilege of growing along side of you on our journey of faith. I carry so many small moments of love with me. Your pictures hang on the wall of my heart!
With Great Joy, Gratitude, and Love,
lyn