Mass Thoughts on Saturday This Week

If you remember, a few weeks ago, I was offered (asked) to substitute for a bass clarinetist in a band in a community band a few cities away from my own.  Even though I had trepidation about doing this, not knowing if I would be a strong enough player for their group, I agreed to do this.   I have been working feverishly on the ten songs of the program that they have been practicing for many months.  I have been able to attend the last two of their rehearsals before the concert which is tomorrow.  It was hard coming into the group so late, and it was a struggle to play in rehearsal with their already high degree of polish.   But, I think I am doing at least "ok" (I hope).

But, due to the timing of the concert, I have had to go to Saturday evening Mass this week, so I thought I would write about thoughts today too, since I just got out of Mass.  While there were many ideas I heard, the one part of the readings that really resonated with me was very simple:

“Rise, and do not be afraid.”

I believe it struck me and resonated with me in part because I had been thinking about my fears a lot again since Lent started.   I admit I am a fearful person.   I cannot deny that, but at the same time, I cannot let fears and anxiety prevent me from trying to be the person I should be.  Being afraid is not a valid excuse for not trying, for not working hard.  In some ways, this recognition is helpful to me, for when fears do enter my mind, the idea of admitting their existence in me BUT at the same time being able to recognize that I still have work to do, have responsibilities to take care of, still have people counting on me.... helps me to keep those fears in their place and helps me to be less likely to succumb to wallowing in them.  Bob Dufford's lyrics in "Be Not Afraid" further helped to reinforce this idea for me at Mass. And, I also thought of Pat's comment to me as well, it is helpful to, when possible, meet fears head-on.

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