Happy Monday, Friends! I started writing about music on Mondays, to get me blogging regularly again. Music is such an important part of our lives. And I always have something to say about music. Don’t you?
This past weekend I had the opportunity to cantor, that is- songlead, at church. The Psalm setting of the day was one I had learnt last minute at my sister’s wedding, eighteen years ago. Her friend and cantor had come down with the flu suddenly, and although I was also the Maid of Honor, I was called upon to sing for the entire wedding Mass. I had heard the song one time only, during the wedding rehearsal. But as it was also my profession as a church musician, I knew I could step up and sing. It was like my entire life had prepared me for that moment.
I hadn’t heard it since.
As I sang the refrain from the ambo, I remembered singing at my sister’s wedding. I had liked the psalm so much, I chose it for my own wedding which was only twelve weeks after. As I sang the second verse, I looked out at the congregation and saw my two beautiful children sitting in the third pew. And I realized, as I sang the blessing “Your children flourish like olive plants” that indeed, here are my children and how we’ve all flourished! I saw my mother, and realized that as her child, we are all part of her olive branch.
I was so overwhelmed by this sensation that indeed, we have all been blessed. I may have inadvertently changed the words at this point, I mean, who says “Olive plants” ? Olives come from trees, with branches. Right? And then, I raised my arms to invite the congregation to sing along with me, and I sang “Happy those…” instead of “Blessed are those…” I guess I was happy.
That’s one thing I like about music ministry. The lyrics are prayers. The congregation is so forgiving. How can I keep from singing?
Happy Anniversary to my sister and brother-in-law! Olive you!
olive you
Key of Dee 