The Word of the Lord
Recently I heard a wonderful interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. When asked about how he chose his vocation he told a very sweet story about seeing his father cry while watching a movie with him as young boy. Burns said "That's when I learned that film had the ability to perform open heart surgery" and it was then, at twelve years old, when he decided that he wanted to become a filmmaker.
When I was a young boy my father was quite a phenomenon in the Wheaton Drama Club, playing lead roles in productions like South Pacific, The King and I and The Music Man. I was an "extra" in many of those productions and I loved seeing my Dad in costume, and watching him sing, but my favorite thing to watch (and hear) him do was read scripture in church. He was a lay reader, and quite a good one. Every time he climbed into the lectern at St. Michael's Catholic Church I'd think... that's my Dad!
I guess that's why of all the things I get to do as a priest in the church my favorite thing is reading Holy Scripture. I'd play the role of deacon rather than preacher any day! At Advent Lessons and Carols last night I got to play the roles of both Elizabeth and Mary. What a gift. It's not every day you get to channel the mother of God and proclaim the Magnificat. After reading (and being read to) at last night's service I feel like I've really entered the season of Advent in the church. Thank you to each of the lay readers, Justin and the choirs for such a beautiful service of the Word last night.
Happy Monday and Holy Advent,
Jim+
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Robin Rudd December 5, 2016 4:38pm
It was a beautiful service. I thought that the choirs sang beautifully and the readers read slowly and meaningfully. Justin played powerfully, especially his last personal piece. I, too, feel as if I have really entered the season of Advent. Thanks, Jim.
Kate McNamara December 6, 2016 9:23pm
Jim, when you read the lesson about the angel coming to Mary, it was astonishing, as if I was hearing it for the first time. So moving. Thank you!