(Previous Reflection is here…)

This week’s Reflection is written by Marry Gormally, a lector and a member of the Finance Council.

Being a lector is about PROCLAIMING the Word of God. Not reading it or saying it: proclaim. In a sense it is a communication ministry.

You don’t do it alone - the Holy Spirit works with and through you. I have been a lector since it became a possibility. My desire as a Catholic woman was to have a chance to participate in the Mass on the altar. I jumped at the opportunity even though I have a fear of public speaking and I was shy. So here I am Lord 25 years later!

The lector prepares during the week by reading the passage and the discussion or explanation in our workbook. In the preparation stage the words of God start beating in my heart. The knowledge creates the rhythm and then I meditate and quiet myself for the Holy Spirit to bring the message of the good news through me. And then you open your mouth and PROCLAIM. These are awesome powerful words! And when I proclaim them I pray you hear God’s love for you in the message.

It is not difficult; however at times I fall short. There are those words that get my tongue into a twist. But that is offset by my favorite words: Rejoice, Beloved, Hope, Fear not, Brothers and Sisters. Perfection is not the goal here. Proclaiming God is. And that is what I believe God wants anyhow. So I do my best and it is fine.

Like my other brothers and sisters in St Bernard ministries I too have received much more than I have given. Participation has enriched my spiritual life and my sense of parish belonging. That is the Lord’s way. Amen! Rejoice! It is just stepping forward with what is already in your heart. The choices are many: being a lector is one. Join us.

Our inspirational leader is Debbie Smith, organizer and scheduler, who will be happy to answer any questions, take you through the routine and get you going. Just call the parish center. Alleluia!

Marry Gormally