Y DEAREST musicians, colleagues, and friends: And so it begins. The sacred Triduum begins amidst enormous uncertainty and suffering. Previously, I voiced some concerns for all of you. Many concerns are turning into painful reality.
Many grieve and mourn the loss of making music each week with people they love and cherish. I am certain we all know someone who has been laid off, on furlough, or received a pay cut. No one is immune, myself included. Ironically, this comes in the midst of the holiest—and busiest—time of year. I’ve been greatly pained in recent days by such inevitable events and timing.
Some of us are fortunate to live-stream Mass on a regular basis continuing to serve in prayer and song. This fulfills a sacred mission for each community. Every community is suffering and hungers for connection.
Some are actively serving during Holy Week despite diminished income. I know quite well, that preparing only one liturgy under such circumstances is potentially more difficult and time-consuming than several at normal times—especially for a vastly revised Holy Week!
And so also begins some extraordinary pastoral leadership, done so with love and charity, and out of a heightened sense of mission.
Here’s what I’ve seen:
Music ministers seeking out and implementing new ways to stay connected with the faithful they serve. Directors are finding ways to rehearse or keep musicians engaged, trained, and developed. I’ve witnessed every effort made by colleagues to keep their children’s choirs singing—if at home and if apart. This heightened sense of creative service even comes from those with reduced incomes.
If that were not enough, some who have been laid off or have had pay cuts have expressed kind words of charity, hope, and support. This is not expected in such circumstances.
For everyone working and striving under such trying situations, you have my deepest admiration, and gratitude!
People are hungrier than ever for the Gospel. This is a great blessing, and a turning point in our lives and ministries.
I’ve learned much from all of you. Recently I‘ve discovered I am not accustomed to trusting God as much as I should. Doing so makes me exceedingly uncomfortable. Many of you, through your generous and creative service, are teaching me how to trust God more. Thank you for this.
Likewise, a choir member reminds me:
“God will not be outdone in generosity.”
You have modeled God’s generosity in serving and persevering through this difficult trial.
Cardinal O’Malley reminds us that Easter is so important that we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection every Sunday! We are both Good Friday people and Easter Sunday people. Our current Good Friday of uncertain duration will assuredly transform into the boundless joy of Easter Sunday. God’s generosity in granting joy will not be outdone!
Know that I am praying the rosary for each of you every day and for your intentions.
Oremus pro invicem
Let us pray for each other.
