One of the things that I feel totally out of touch with in my transition from Roman cleric to Episcopal lay person is the music. I don't know many of the songs that everyone else seems to know at the top of their heads and the tip of their tongues. This is somewhat ironic considering as a gay man, I can break out into any variety of songs at the drop of a hat, usually a show tune. There is music in my soul.
One of my neighbors when I was a young lad noted how happy she was to see me coming down the block. It seemed I was always cheery and more often than not, I was singing or whistling. Like I said, music is in my soul. Decades later, when I had increased my daily commute from 15 to 30 miles each way, I found myself praying on my way to work, singing actually. Ok, chanting. I could take the melody of a common song or chant and put in my own words. Music in my soul, in my heart on on my mind. Glory to God.
So it is with great joy and thankfulness that I read about Catherine Winkworth., Episcopal Holy woman for today. As we all are given special gifts and talents, hers a linguist of sorts I presume, music surely in her heart ( a kindred spirit ), a poet and deeply faithful. I am thankful for her abilities and her willingness to accept the call to translate. What she did was to foster the natural music in our souls and our devotion for millions of peoples to God and enabled it. Kudos to her, thanks to God.
I may not have the ability to recall songs, read music , translate or actually sing in tune but I have music in my heart and soul and it shines through. Praise God.
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