Lesson Given by a Jar of Pickles

A jar of pickles taught me a lesson today.  I couldn't open it.  So I passed it around and everyone tried to open it.  Eventually, it opened.

Think about it.

The person who finally opened the jar wasn't stronger than anyone else.  It was everyone trying again and again and again.

Everything that went on before, did it.

Think about it.  Don't give up.  Keep at it.

Lectoring Teaches Self-knowledge

Being a "lector" has taught me 10 things I didn't know about myself.  

• I have an accent.  In reading "harden not your hearts," a person from New Jersey told me that I have a Boston accent.  Imagine.  New Jersey?
• I need to use a microphone.  My voice is low and soft.  Elderly can't hear me, even if I shout.  The pitch of my voice is too low, for them.  
• Too many people come late.  I think some people think the Mass time means leave your house at that time.  It scares me to announce what Sunday this is, and then when I go to read the First Reading--WHOA!  Where did all the people come from? 
• Check out the Prayers of the Faithful with the names in the bulletin.  Sometimes mistakes have been made.  
• Occasionally, I'm drafted to be an altar server, too.  Pay attention.
• Breath control.  Silence is powerful, knowing when to use it is even more so.
• When I make a mistake, it's a blessing.  I need to be humble.
• Dealing with doubt.  Like mistakes, God is keeping me humble.  I have to look at it as a grace.
• Being close to the "action", is a great privilege.  My prayer is more intense.
• I've become closer to St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers.  Praying for his intercession before reading is a great focusing tool.                                                                                                                                    St. Dominic open hearts and minds to hear and accept the Words, I proclaim.