This weekend saw the penultimate weekend for our awesome priest as well as my brother performing 21 baptisms. I was exceedingly blessed and humbled to be a part of them. Father Art regaled the congregation once again with a tale of his days on board his naval ship during the Cold War in the 1970s. On board ship, there were a number of musicians who frequently played on the flight deck. In international waters, the admiral encouraged them to go aft and serenade the Russian vessel which was just behind them. The American vessel started off with “Anchor’s Aweigh” which the Russian’s answered with an appropriate tune from their country. The tunes would continue to volley with selections like “The Marine’s Hymn” (because NO ONE could beat the USA Marine corps), “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” (played by the Russians), and finally “Sweet Georgia Brown.” After hearing SGB, the Russians turned around and headed back into their own space… WHY? The song is widely known as the theme for the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, the wizards of the hardwood.
Finally, the lesson of Amos the sheep herder and fig gatherer who claimed that he was not “a prophet nor the son of a prophet” (7:14) was elaborated on. Yet, everyone is called to proclaim the peace regardless of their profession. This lead to a serenade of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” begun by solo sax and later joined by male tenor voice. SO glad I was called to fill in for a song leader who had other plans for Saturday night.
This morning was equally blessed and awesome. A few weeks ago, I was asked by my brother if I had ever thought about being baptized as an adult. Honestly, I was not sure if I could given my Catholic faith of which I have not been asked to leave nor ever would. But after prayer, much thought, and knowing that Chris would NEVER do anything that would jeopardize my faith, I was very honored to be one of the first people he has baptized. Minutes after the ceremony, I found myself feeling even more blessed and strong. I was also honored to witness Llama, Goose, and 18 others also affirm their faith!
Watching Chris deliver his message, I am sure everyone could see how excited and moved he was by becoming speechless with tears of joy forming in his eyes. I adored his lesson on the “topsy-turvy/upside-down” practices of Satan. Peter stating to Christ hours before the crucifixion that the apostles would fight for him. Jesus actually calls him a Satan and a hypocrite. Judas, himself, being paid 30 pieces of silver to betray his teacher. Both of these point to doing what is “right” for the individual and not what is “right” for HIM.
On a tangent of my own…. Last night seconds before mass was to begin, the organist and I discovered that the sound system was not turned on. Being clear in the back of the church in the choir loft, I had to quickly travel to the front where the switch is and turn the mikes on and quickly return to the loft. Where were my red cape and tights when I needed them 😉
Thanks be to GOD for bringing Father Art and Chris to lead and to prepare those who want to follow and be closer to HIM on their next step to a life of faith. Love to you both.
I’m glad you did it too. Scripture calls us to baptize and disciple, so it was wonderful to see you take a step of obedience for God. I don’t see why it would hinder your Catholic faith in any way. And you’re correct – Pastor Chris wouldn’t do anything to lead anyone away from Christ ever. Period.
I’m so glad that you had a blessed weekend. Thanks for sharing how you felt the Holy Spirit – I felt His presence as well; it was magical!!
I know as a Catholic, you may not like what I have to say here and I am sorry for this, but since you brought up Matthew 16:23, I just wanted to point out something a just a few verses earlier, 16:16-20. This is where Jesus has asked his disciples who the people say he is, and then who the disciples say he is. Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This of course is absolute Truth. What Jesus says next is a play on Peter’s name and the phrase “and on this rock I will build my church.” Catholicism has this as referring to Peter who they believe was the first Pope, but it in fact refers to what Peter said. Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God, and on that rock His church was built. In my understanding the original language does not even use the same word as some say (Peter and rock), but Petros (Peter) and petra (rock).
Anyway, what you mentioned reminded me of this. Catholic or Evangelical, Baptist or …any number of denominations really, as long as you are looking to Christ first, the perfect and only needed sacrifice on the cross, have repented of your sins and accepted Him as lord of your life, that is of course what matters.
Congrats on your baptism, and it is good to hear about Chris and the ministry he is doing for Jesus.
One more thing- by your title, are you saying your weekend was not just Blessed but Golden, or is that a typo? 😉
A typo perhaps but I dare say that it was golden. Thank you for your insight. Ever since high school when we had a group of students of non-Catholic students attend a CCD class, I have been dare I say open-minded to the beliefs of others. Personally, I do not think of it as the be all and end all of religions. Ok, enough of my soap box.