Message from Augie

Our world surrounds us with so much sound that sometimes it’s difficult for any sound to be notable.  In order to follow the Shepherd’s voice, we must clear space for it.

I was in Tops trying to figure out the difference between organic groceries verses the regular product.  The considerable increase in expense which I considered a luxury.  All of a sudden there was a preschooler with his mom and all of  a sudden he yells out, “Hey, Mom, It’s Pachelbel’s Canon in D!”

Even if you’re not familiar with the title, you have almost certainly heard this Baroque-era piece played, probably over played, at wedding and school music recitals. 

I stopped looking at the organic food products and shifted my attention  to the disembodied, unexceptional grocery store music playing the  background.  Sure enough.

How did this kid know?  The kid was maybe four years old.  But he was listening with the heart of a child by which I mean attending to what was speaking to him.  Somewhere in the gap between my inexpert practicing and that anonymous piped in rendition he’d heard the melody, the voice of a composer, and  spoke to him.  To this day I still haven’t figured out how he knew the title!

“My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me,” says Jesus.  I cherish that supermarket moment, as a believer, because it speaks to me of hearing and following with intention.  When I hear the voice of the Lord  calling to me, I hope that I will be that attentive, that excited, that alight with recognition and happiness.

Also, I’m glad that Pachelbel wasn’t there to hear the Supermarket Edition of his work.

 SO THE QUESTION:  WHAT DOES THE VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD SOUND TO YOU?  DO YOU TRUST IT?

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE:  St. Jude, apostle of Christ, the church honors and prays to you universally as the patron of hopeless and difficult cases.   Pray for us in our needs.   Make use, we implore you of this powerful privilege given to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is needed.  Pray that we humbly accept the trials and disappointments and mistakes which are a part of our human nature.   Help us to see the reflection of the suffering of Christ in the trials and tribulations of our lives.   Let us see in a spirit of great faith and hop the part we even now share in the joy of Christ’s resurrection and which we long to share fully in heaven.   Intercede that we may again experience this joy in answer to our present needs.   If it is God’s dire for us (here make your request)  we know our prayers will be heard through your intercession.  AMEN