What an amazing month October is!  The many beautiful colors of autumn leaves, the beauty that surrounds us, the cool evening air and crisp mornings, a stroll through the park, the heroic saints that lived a life, more simple than ours (St. Francis, St Therese, St. John Paul II).  It seems like to me, we need more unworldly people like this.  In our own day, Pope Francis is a good model of living this kind of life. 
In America, it is difficult to live an uncomplicated life.  We are constantly consuming more food than we need at many social gatherings with friends and family.  We need to be grateful for these moments because they are important, but are we making the best of these moments?  Also, are we remembering those less fortunate than ourselves? (I have fond memories of times spent as a child with my great-grandparents and extended family.)  As another example, we are spending a lot of energy replying to messages received on our phones. We can connect to people we care about, but sometimes let those messages control us.  We have so many moments of instant gratification. On Sunday after church, I can view 10 NFL games at once on the NFL mix at my cousin’s house.  Indeed, these activities can be enjoyable, but would we be willing to spend the same amount of time with God?  If only we can devout as much time attending to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. 
There are many things that demand our attention.  But, our spiritual well-being and that of others requires the most attention.  When we start off our day and end our day in prayer, that is a crucial first step.  For us musicians, these moments of prayer include musical components that can be transforming and energizing to the soul.  Putting the Gospel message into action through the way we live our lives is also a daily challenge given to us as Christians.
 
This month there are many themes that are interwoven:
This month is Respect Life month.  We pray for the unborn children.  How much do we value our lives?  How much do value the lives of others?  What can we do to defend the life of the unborn?  Maybe, join up with the Life Chain this weekend.  Maybe sing some songs of praise to God for the life he gives us.  The gospel readings have been about children quite a bit.  Let us see in the innocence of a child, the image of Christ among us.  This weekend is World Marriage Weekend.  How much time do we take to spend with our spouses?  Do we recognize the bond of unity we hold with our spouses?  Are we helping each other grow in faith? What value do we place on our marriage?  Do we evangelize by our living example?
This month is also dedicated to the holy rosary.  The bishop has asked us to add a prayer to St. Michael after praying the rosary to “stamp out” the evil that is happening all around us.  The angels and saints are there to defend us.  Can we do our part to eradicate these evils, by filling our souls with spiritual blessings, and fast from those things we do not need.  Perhaps make this month an “October fast.”  Try to follow the example of simplicity set by many of the saints, our ancestors in the faith.  If we all keep our eyes fixed on Heaven through removing some of the unnecessary things that complicate our lives, our world will be a happier place!