Pastoral Message – October 20, 2024
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Several weeks ago, I listed some of the many signs that Fall has arrived. In making the list, I accidentally omitted one sign that is especially important for me. I can tell that Fall has arrived because the symphony and opera seasons have begun! As you might know, I have a subscription to the Classical Series at Pacific Symphony, and I occasionally go to the Los Angeles Opera. These musical experiences renew me; they refresh me; they uplift me; I guess I could say they help to keep me sane.
Now, I realize that you may find such renewal in other activities, like sports, live theater, movies, reading (I like to read too!), art, crafts, and the list could go on. Since you are reading these words in a church bulletin, I hasten to add that the ultimate experience of renewal is communion with the Lord in prayer and the sacramental life. In any case, I’m focusing right now on my concerts and operas because I want to share with you a recent experience I had in connection with them.
A few weeks ago I went to Los Angeles Opera’s current production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” It’s a wonderful opera, which I have seen numerous times. The performance I recently attended was absolutely beautiful. The story and the music have high points and low points, and plenty in between; but overall, it is a sad and tragic opera.
This gave rise to a question: why do people like me pay money and make the time to go to something that is so sad? And why do we enjoy it? Well, it is cathartic to go through strong emotions, such as those expressed through an opera like the one I attended. It’s also a form of escape from the routines of daily life. The experience of beauty, expressed through art, is also an exhilarating experience; and a musical, theatrical work does not have to be happy in order to be beautiful.
I hope that you have such experiences in your life as well, through whatever pastime you happen to enjoy. When we can experience a range of emotions, expressed in various ways, and find beauty in those experiences, we become more adept at finding what is good and true in the myriad experiences of our lives. God is with us in all circumstances, and he brings good out of all things for those who love him (Romans 8:28). There is nothing more beautiful than to know we are loved by God.
Blessings,
Fr. Philip
Fr. Philip
