I stand at the
lectern and gently smooth the pages of the open book. Not because the pages are
wrinkled, but because I adore the words printed there. God’s word is precious
because in it I have found light in the darkness. When I read God’s word, I sit
down to a banquet. When my spirit is starved for sustenance I am fed with
poetry that reminds me of the beauty of our world and wisdom to direct my way
forward. But most of all, I am told how much God loves me.
Mass will begin in
thirty minutes, and it’s my turn to be the lector reading assigned passages
from the Old and New Testament. Although I have practiced this week’s Mass
reading at home, I arrive early so I can practice again in the mostly empty church.
There are others
here, too. Barb, our Sacristan, is preparing the altar. Deacon Chuck is
checking notes, Elizabeth, our pianist, and Steve, one of our Cantors,
preparing our song worship. Father Joe is in the confessional hearing confessions
before Mass. So many dedicated volunt…