Christmas Service

12-27-2020The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

As we begin a new calendar year let me offer some thoughts about making Christian Service a joy.

An amusing story was told to me by the retired manager of a New York hotel which hosted many large Catholic functions. The great Paderewski occupied a suite there a number of years ago during one of his seasons at Carnegie Hall. It was his custom to practice for a couple of hours every morning on the magnificent instrument that he had brought with him.

On the third morning of his stay an angry lady stormed into the manager's office and said, "Someone is hammering on an old tin can piano every morning across the corridor from me. This is the third day. It is driving me mad, and unless you stop it I shall leave immediately."

The astonished manager remonstrated, "But madam, that is Paderewski himself!"

The lady nearly fainted with surprise and said, "Paderewski! Oh, that's different. Of course I had not the slightest idea. I adore good music. I am an excellent musician myself. Please say nothing at all about it." The hotel man was much amused to note that thereafter, for the remainder of Paderewski's stay, the good woman kept the door of her apartment wide open and entertained a party of friends there every morning while he practiced.

Often our own attitude needs some serious readjustment. The next time you are tempted to complain about your service to the Lord, stop and think about whom you are serving. What a privilege it is to know Jesus and to be His coworker. A love for the Lord takes the dead weight out of service and puts wings to it. Love makes serving Christ much easier.

Psalms 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This is about our great Redeemer! What a privilege to be close to Him!

To experience real Christian Joy we must always pray and, as a result, never lose heart.

Happy New Year!

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