Stewardship

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, my soul; I shall praise the Lord all my life, Sing praise to my God while I live. (Psalm 146: 1-2)

Sing a new song to the Lord, Who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. (Psalm 98:1)

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth: Break into song; sing praise. Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and melodious song. (Psalm 98:4-5)

The Book of Psalms is overflowing with songs written for many purposes: songs of praise; songs of Thanksgiving; songs of lament; songs of kingship; songs of wisdom; all of which are expressions of feelings and aspirations of the writer. Music and song lyrics have been used for centuries, and are still used today, as a way to communicate our deepest thoughts and feelings to others. Psalms encourage us, by providing a prayer like model to voice our own deepest feelings and thoughts. The Book of Psalms also shows us the importance of music and song as a form of communication, as well as part of the liturgy. Those bearing the gift of music and song have been called to serve the Lord using this gift. Bob Bussard of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ Parish in Lincoln does just that.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

As a steward/disciple we are all called to serve the same Lord but in different ways. The way in which we serve him depends on the gifts that he has given us. In our creation, God has a well thought-out and intricate plan for the many gifts given. Sometimes we view our gifts as small, and therefore our contributions as minor, when in God’s grand scheme, they are essential to the whole.

Take for example music in the Mass. How many of us put much thought into the music we hear or sing? We often take this part of the Mass for granted. I challenge you to pay close attention to all the music in the next Mass you attend.

Without a vocation, man’s existence would be meaningless. We have been created to bear the responsibility God has entrusted us with. Though different, each man should fulfill his specific vocation and shoulder his individual responsibility. (Anwar el-Sadat; taken from “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response,” pg.17)

Bob Bussard holds the title of Choir Librarian at Cathedral of the Risen Christ and has done so for many years. As choir librarian, he has the responsibility of ordering and filing the music, and maintaining the music files and the choir robes. In spite of his health problems, he comes early to Wednesday choir practice to pull music files needed so the choir director and choir may begin their practice upon arrival. He assists in the music liturgy for the Chrism, Ordination, Christmas and Easter Masses. He also shares of his gift of music as a cantor for the Cathedral Choir.

Music and song may appear to be a small gift but on the contrary are huge tools in evangelization and sharing of our faith. As disciples we are called to use the tools given to us to share Jesus with the world that we encounter.

Bob Bussard is an example of a “Steward in Action” as he uses his gift to touch others lives. He shows Christ to others through the gift of music and song.

I encourage you to keep your eyes open for stewards in your own parish. Send examples to me at jody-paulsen@cdolinc.net.