The month of January is filled with many important events that call for our action. Here is a list of some of them:
National Poverty Month
Christian Unity Week (January 18 through 25)
Nine Days for Life (ended January 22)
World Youth Day events in Panama (January 22 through 27)
Wyoming Legislature in session
Negotiations to end Government shutdown
Policies for Securing our Borders
Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend
We as musicians, can address each of these issues in a peaceful way, when we spread the message of truth through song. Music has the ability to unite people together. Music brings a smile to people’s faces, Music can change the world.
However, it takes more than music to bring about change in our world.
It is also about relationships. How much time do we take for each other?
Family time is so important. Not just praying together, but doing a fun activity together, and enjoying one another’s company. We can support each other by attending events our children and our grandchildren are involved. We can take care of our parents when they get older. It is sometimes in the small things we do that make a difference with the big picture.
It is a good feeling to clean up the clutter around the house and donate items we do not need to great organizations like St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store or the Comea Shelter of Laramie County. We can offer a smile to those who are in need of food that come to our parish office each day.
We can be present to our coworkers and pray together the Angelus at the noon hour for our needs.
How wonderful it was to see so many people participate in the events for life this past weekend. I cannot think of a more important issue than to take care of the rights of the unborn and those who are unable to help themselves.
Recently, I sang for a Spanish wedding at St. Joseph’s. This was a big eye opener for me to participate in an all-Spanish Mass. That same weekend, I participated in the baptism of my nephew at the Cur de Ars church in Denver. The majority of the congregation is of African-American descent, and the music was very uplifting and joyful. It was a reminder that we can break barriers when we recognize we all are in this together.
Our government leaders are not only in need of prayers but our support as they deal with these tough issues facing our country. Now is the time to contact our senators or House members to voice our concerns for those less fortunate than ourselves and for the protection of all citizens.
May the God of infinite goodness help us to have the zeal to recognize that we can make a difference! We can and we must! United We Stand!