This morning I am Roman Catholic. It hasn't hit me yet. I don't think I will really realize it until the next time I go to Mass, when I don't have to sit in the pew anymore while the others receive Communion. I probably won't even realize it then. I will go, week after week, and gradually assimilate, until sometime weeks or months from now when I think about it and I realize the transformation is complete. That seems to be the way God likes to work with me. He is teaching me patience. Better yet, I am learning it.
Good things about last night's Easter Vigil:
- Locke made it.
- The flame that lit the Easter candle. Think: torch + wind.
- The organist messing up in the same spots in every repetition.
- The alleluias that wouldn't end for the deacon to read the Gospel reading.
- Realizing that Father Jim C was preaching the homily without pants.
- Hearing my saint's name in the Litany of the Saints.
- Seeing Maureen in the choir loft smiling at us.
- Father Mark trying to keep Father Jim's vestments dry as he blessed the water.
- Father Jim B trying to steal Father Jim C's stole.
- Hearing the baptisms.
- The altar servers forgetting to light their candles.
- Getting hit by cold holy water in the back of the neck as we renewed our baptismal vows.
- Father Jim B signalling the congregation to blow out their candles by blowing on his thumb.
- Having a hand on my shoulder as I professed my faith and was confirmed.
- The genuine congratulatory handshakes and smiles of the priests.
- Seeing the other Joe in the congregation and getting a congratulations and a hand squeeze.
- Realizing that I wasn't the only one who was more nervous about the Eucharist than Confirmation.
- Offering the gifts.
- The familiarity of the liturgy of the Eucharist.
- Hearing Joe behind me saying "Lord I am not worthy to receive you..."
- Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. One of the scariest and most humbling things I have ever done.
- Seeing a girl who I hadn't seen since Christmas as she came up to receive a blessing.
- Hugs, handshakes, and congratulations.
- Realizing Daddy enjoyed the worship service.
- Having Father Mark notice The Cow all dressed up.
- Finally having time alone with Joe.
- Time with family.
Happy Easter.