God
Music
A couple of weeks ago I memorized both verses of "O Salutaris Hostia". More recently, I've memorized the first verse of "Tantum Ergo". Now I've almost got the second verse memorized as well. Finally, it will be the easiest one-- since it's in English: "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name". Then I'll be all set for Adoration after the First Saturday Mass on February 7!
Some day if I become a deacon, I will need to learn how to chant the "Exsultet"!
I haven't felt this close to God perhaps ever. I feel like He's answered all of my-- and your-- prayers: I've now had four good nights of sleep in a row.
There were many pieces to it-- some day I should enumerate all of them, and write a massive post. But the two biggest ones were: the release of shame "Confession and God's Forgiveness" section I wrote in this post, followed by vocalizing that shame to my Confessor, and thus giving it up to the Lord-- and the revelation I've had this week, which is as follows.
When your mind is moving too fast-- either out of joy, or anxiousness-- close your eyes, take a deep breath, do the sign of the cross, and say "God, come to my assistance... Lord, make haste to help me." Just like we say in the Liturgy of the Hours. As you continue to breathe, remember that Jesus is not even that breath's distance from you. With practice, your mind will slow down, and peace will enter you.
I've been thinking about the Stations of the Cross, and how I can make it extra reverent. I think I'll wear one of the hooded albs, which I don when I serve at the altar. On Good Friday, I'll wear a red cincture around my waist-- the other times, purple. I think I'll wear the same ear piece microphone the priests use, so I don't strain my voice. It would be nice to get a few of my friends to lead it with me: one could carry the crucifix, flanked by candle bearers on either side. But I think I'll wait until the nights of, to see who shows up.
I hope I can become a deacon one day. This aspect of my life if so fulfilling.
Some day if I become a deacon, I will need to learn how to chant the "Exsultet"!
I haven't felt this close to God perhaps ever. I feel like He's answered all of my-- and your-- prayers: I've now had four good nights of sleep in a row.
There were many pieces to it-- some day I should enumerate all of them, and write a massive post. But the two biggest ones were: the release of shame "Confession and God's Forgiveness" section I wrote in this post, followed by vocalizing that shame to my Confessor, and thus giving it up to the Lord-- and the revelation I've had this week, which is as follows.
When your mind is moving too fast-- either out of joy, or anxiousness-- close your eyes, take a deep breath, do the sign of the cross, and say "God, come to my assistance... Lord, make haste to help me." Just like we say in the Liturgy of the Hours. As you continue to breathe, remember that Jesus is not even that breath's distance from you. With practice, your mind will slow down, and peace will enter you.
I've been thinking about the Stations of the Cross, and how I can make it extra reverent. I think I'll wear one of the hooded albs, which I don when I serve at the altar. On Good Friday, I'll wear a red cincture around my waist-- the other times, purple. I think I'll wear the same ear piece microphone the priests use, so I don't strain my voice. It would be nice to get a few of my friends to lead it with me: one could carry the crucifix, flanked by candle bearers on either side. But I think I'll wait until the nights of, to see who shows up.
I hope I can become a deacon one day. This aspect of my life if so fulfilling.