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| Our mini Jackie O.! |
Since we will be leaving first thing in the morning, we went to mass at one of my favorite churches down here this evening. I have been to Holy Redeemer by the Sea with my parents, older brother and his wife, two sets of friends, and even an ex boyfriend but this was the first time I was able to bring my husband and daughter to the beautiful church.
We were fortunate enough to sit in the second from the front pew where we were able to hear and see Kim Kalman perform and hear every word of Fr. Bill's teachings. Something I really appreciate about his style is that he gives previews about the liturgical celebration and the readings we are about to hear during mass throughout the time we spend together. It is almost like we are getting bits and pieces of the homily throughout the mass!
I wasn't sure what to expect when Father began by talking about how bad things are in threes. Adam leaned over and said, "Uh, we are a three" referencing our triangle family. I nodded and continued listening to Father's words. He said how threes are viewed as being bad for relationships in that three's a crowd, the third person feels left out, and there is a third wheel. Then he shifted gears and spoke of how the universe is based on sub-atomic particles made up of only three parts. In my mind, I also thought of the holy family being made up of three. Father transitioned to connecting what he was sharing in relationship of threes to the Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit which was the focus of tonight's mass. He finished the homily by turning things around with respect to three and recognizing it is the perfect number after all.
Trinity Sunday also reminds me of our family but probably not for the reason you may suspect. Yes, we are a family of three but this is also the Sunday when I found out why Adam picked my particular wedding ring. He had purchased the wedding ring set without my input. When he proposed, I had been too shocked to notice the ring he held before me. It wasn't until after the engagement ring was in place on my left ring finger that he asked if I wanted to see the rest of the ring set. I asked him to hang on to the wedding band until our wedding day as I wanted to be surprised again!
With the excitement of participating in our wedding mass and engaging in the sacrament of marriage, I didn't lay eyes on my left hand until after Communion. Wow! What a gorgeous and unique wedding band Adam had selected! I didn't learn the meaning behind it until after our honeymoon one week after the wedding that happened to be Trinity Sunday. As we sat in the front of Holy Family Church, during the gospel, Adam leaned over and said he had to tell me something about the ring after mass. In the parking lot, as we walked to the car, he said what he liked about the ring was that it is in three parts and he views the outer bands as representing the two of us but the center (the engagement ring) represents God who should be at the center of our relationship and who brought us together. He said as he heard Msgr. Jerry speak about the Trinity during the homily, he was reminded that he hadn't told me the story of why he picked the three part ring. Now, three years later, when I slide that ring on my finger it is a daily reminder to keep God at the center of everything and to call on Him.
Another reason I was reminded of our wedding is because we were able to enjoy Kim's singing throughout mass. The last time we heard her doing this was three years ago at St. Joseph in York when she sang during our wedding mass. There is something so comforting and soothing about her voice! I am so thankful we just happened to meet at a conference back in 2011! The song she sang during the offertory is a popular one, "Who Am I?" Listening to it tonight, coupled with the readings and homily (and recent student evaluations I received), helped me to reflect on who I am and where I can improve both personally and professionally. Father shared a three part prayer toward the end of the homily that may speak to others the way it spoke to me :
1. Think of the best thing that happened today. Thank God for it.
2. Where did I fail today? Ask God for forgiveness.
3. Think of tomorrow. Ask the Holy Spirit to assist you.
So thankful for the music ministry of Kim that strengthens my prayer life (check out Charlotte's smile in the picture... She has been listening to Kim since before she was born... Lol!), the chance to worship at a church and seek the Holy Spirit by the sea on this beautiful last night at the beach, the healing and redemption that comes from Jesus, and a God who chose to love us, His children, flaws and all!
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| So thankful for Kim and her musical gifts she shares with the world! |
