Seminarian Reflection | Mr. Jeremy Wagner

This morning, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, I was instituted as a lector, sometimes also called a reader. Today is the day in the seminary when the images of the saints and the crucifixes all are veiled, and we begin to look forward to Good Friday and Easter Sunday when they will be unveiled. Since I was not able to see them, my mind turned especially to the words spoken and prayed during the Mass. It seemed to me to be a providential reminder of the meaning of being a lector. At many points in my life, I have heard about something before I could see it. It happened last year, when I first heard reports about a new illness in the world. I can't see God in the world here below, but I can listen to the Word of His Son Jesus Christ and prepare myself in my heart to welcome Him when he comes. As a lector, I am called to help others do the same.

Before the day began at the seminary today, I meditated on Psalm 19, which is usually chanted while the ceremony takes place. It is a psalm about God's Word. It reminded me of my journey through Lent this year because has a penitential note to it. This Word of God challenged me to make a new decision for a renewed conversion. The psalm also says that the Word grants conversion to souls, bestows wisdom, fills hearts with joy, and enlightens the eyes. I was grateful for having received all of these blessings from other people who have spoken the Word to me. Finally, it says that the servant of God keeps the Word of God. In John's Gospel today, Jesus promises us that "where I am, there also will my servant be." I realized that for me as a lector, and one day I hope as a priest, serving God means keeping His Word, and that this will be for me a way of being where Jesus is, in this world and in the next.

This became a prayer for me, which I invite you to share: May the thoughts of my heart be always in Your presence.
"Meditatio cordis mei in conspectu tuo semper" Ps 19:15