Day 8, the next to the last of the nine 5 a.m. Simbang Gabi Masses. And things were a bit chaotic. The novena’s organizer wasn’t going to make the opening of the Mass, so a friend stepped up and handled the opening announcements (and found those scheduled to read for the day, which is never a small task).
None of our usual musicians was available, so an Anglo member of the Simbang Gabi choir stepped forward and led us a capella in the songs and musical parts of the Liturgy.
And I added names to the Prayers of the Faithful up until 4:59 a.m., and prayed when I handed the final version to the reader that she would be able to navigate her way through my handwriting.
The Gospel reading was from Luke, about how Mary set out in haste to visit Elizabeth, and John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting. “They brought Christ to one another, Mary literally,” said our pastor, who was today’s celebrant. He challenged us to be living testimonies to Christ at Christmas and beyond, to recognize his presence in our most difficult and unpleasant family members and acquaintances.
I thought about the way the choir member, our organizer’s friend, and today’s Prayers of the Faithful reader accepted late changes today with grace and peace, with minimal freaking out or panicking, just as Christ would have. It’s perhaps those smaller moments, when we face minor annoyances rather than life-threatening or life-changing challenges, that being Christ to others can be most difficult. So I gave thanks… and resolved to learn from my friends.
