Inside ML

I’ve always enjoyed introducing my friends and family to one another, knowing that there’s always the potential of a new relationship developing from that simple act. The one thing I’ve always hated, though, is introducing myself. I prefer to be something of a mystery that unfolds through dialogue and action. I’ve been asked to introduce myself here, as the new editor of ML, but I think for the most part I’ll stick to my instinct and allow this new mystery to unfold all on its own with each new issue.

To satisfy everyone’s curiosity, I’ll give some basic background. The most relevant piece is that I have been a pastoral minister for 22 years, toiling in the trenches alongside many of you. I remember the Mass in Latin, I survived the Kumbaya years, I learned about liturgy from people who not only understood the law but were in love with the spirit of worship. With their inspiration, I studied and struggled, prayed and played. I have come to experience deeply how closely our liturgy is joined to God’s eternal banquet.

I am a great admirer of Thomas Merton, who says, “Every time you think you know where you are going, you are no longer living for God alone, for we only go to Him in the darkness of self-denial, by the way we do not know. … I come to God by the way I know not — meeting temptations I could not expect and the joys I could not expect because I never knew they existed.” The opportunity to lead ML into its 30th year is a profound joy that I never expected, but for which I am deeply grateful.

Speaking of introductions, joining ML for the first time in this issue is David Haas with a new column titled Sung Prayer. As composer, author, workshop and retreat leader, pastoral musician and recording artist, his talents are well known and most welcome here. As we continue to provide tools for ministry and liturgy, David will present a challenge to reach higher and dig deeper into the process and theology of facilitating the sung prayer of the assembly. While others provide the “nuts and bolts,” David will be an architect providing the blueprint for the structure that enables prayer to be lifted in song.

Correction

In the November issue of ML (29:9), John Calligan, designer of the “Gathering Space” mural featured on that cover, was identified incorrectly. ML regrets the error. ML

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