Tonight at vigil Mass
we sing a version of the “Alleluia”
that I have sung
many, many times before.
This “Alleluia” proclaims,
“Jesus Christ, our Lord, is here!”

I’ve heard these words
so many times before
and, to be honest,
I’ve never paid much attention to them.
But tonight, for some reason,
they strike home,
leaving me filled
with joy and wonder.
These words leave me thinking,
“Wow! Jesus is here tonight!”

And, of course,
Jesus is here,
just as he has been present
at every single Mass
that I have ever attended
even if I have
on many occasions
taken his presence for granted.

Thank you, Lord,
for opening my ears and my heart tonight
to the very real presence of Jesus
in tonight’s Mass.

Thank you, Lord,
for helping me tonight
not to take the presence of Jesus
for granted.

Thank you, Lord,
for using the gift of music tonight
to remind me
that Jesus is here
(as usual!)

© Claire Murray, 30th September 2017