One of the most beloved Catholic Hymns of all time is "Here I Am, Lord", written by Dan Schutte. The hymn is based on Isaiah 6, and is a reflection of a conversation between the Lord and us, His people.
In the song, the Lord says..
"I the Lord of sea and sky. I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?"
(and then we answer....)
"Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart."
Several years ago, I was praying in church before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, and felt the Lord move and say to me "I want you to write songs for the Church".
I have prayed and reflected on this over the years, and have studied and grown in my writing and musicianship. More importantly, during this time the Lord was also growing my heart through more frequent Mass attendance and a beautiful healing journey of Camino and Community.
He was preparing me. Slowly, over time...
A few months ago, I was led in scripture to Isaiah 42:9 "See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them". I knew that the Lord was preparing a change for me. I leaned in to pray and discern with my wife and friends, and recognized that the Lord was calling me to step forward into this new role.
Next steps...
I began a dialogue with my Pastor a few months ago and have been transitioning my full time role in the parish to serving as part of the team. Father John has been wonderful to me as I have shared my hopes and dreams about what the Lord has planted within me. I have been serving at a couple of weekend Masses, and limiting my time in the office during the week so that I can focus on writing and the needs of my family in this season.
My hopes and dreams for the future include writing songs for the Church, serving and leading music at conferences, Mass, and parish missions. I want to share God's love, light and mercy with my fellow pilgrims, and I want to continue developing a platform to pour into Catholic musicians where they can find resources and grow in their faith walk and ministry.
There is so much heartache, suffering and pain in the world, and I know that the Lord is pouring His blessings out over these situations and stands with us in the fire.
"Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send...?"
Here I am, Lord. Send me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
Love y'all, and I'll see you down the road. Greg
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