St. Simon Gibbons, First Priest from the Inuit

 



In 2021, I had the opportunity to sing in Vox Musica’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah, with the Lethbridge symphony. I had attended performances of Messiah in the past, but I had never sung it before. It was in the middle of the Covid years. Things had started opening up a little bit and choirs were allowed to rehearse again. Singing through masks, we performed an abbreviated version of Messiah ending with the legendary "Hallelujah Chorus." 

It was a deeply moving experience for me. Three years later, we sang it again. A more complete version of the beloved oratorio ending with "Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain"  and the long "Amen" finale. 

The other night, Pam was out for the evening and I listened to Messiah again. Saint Augustine is often quoted to have said, He who sings prays twice. A lot of praying occurred that night…

Singing the Messiah has been part of my formation over the last few years — helped by the earworms of: for unto us a child is born; his yoke is easy his burden is light; surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and He shall reign forever and ever; the trumpet shall sound; worthy is the lamb that was slain.

I am so grateful for that treasure of humanity.

The Shepherd psalm, from today’s readings, has also been deeply formative for me over the last few decades. My soul is slowly learning to receive the gifts of being shepherded. 

The Shepherd gathers us up, holds us close, gently leads us, invites us to rest. The Shepherd restores our souls, guides us in the right paths, is with us in our darkest valleys. He honours us, brings blessing and pursues us with his goodness and mercy. What more could we need?

We will  continue to be formed, as we gather together and have the scriptures read over us. As we sing, pray, confess, pass the peace. As we kneel and receive the gifts of the Eucharist. As we are dismissed to go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 

This Advent may we have that formation work done in us again as we wait, walk and rest in the care of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord be with you.

Owen Ukrainetz 


"Worthy is the Lamb" and "Amen Chorus"  VOCES8
from Messiah by G.F. Handel   

 

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