This morning I arrived early to chapel to prepare for Mass, and the early morning intercessory group of ladies started giving me a hard time for not come early enough to be a part of their prayer group. I hadn't much sleep last night, so I wasn't in a pleasant mood. The ladies were doing that scolding made to look like teasing thing but I wasn't falling for it. I'm sure I was scowling from the start. So then the scolding turned into "come give us a hug," which I was suspicious of. The whole time I'm thinking, I just want to get the readings and altar book marked, so that I can start Mass on time. None of the "scolders" stayed for Mass, not because they were angry, they rarely stay for Mass on Thursdays - but will I scold them, no! Then another lady showed up for Mass and started interrogating me about something I had planned for next Sunday, of which she clearly did not approve. I was simmering underneath, mindful of James' admonition [3.5] .
As the prayers and lessons got under way, I discovered that we were offering Psalm 56, "Have mercy on me, O God, for my enemies are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me." "Yes. That's right." I thought bitterly. I well knew that I was misappropriating the verse, but didn't care. Finally, we reached the canon of the Mass, and I realized that it wasn't really that big of a deal, and I wasn't angry anymore. Of course, the Lord is faithful. He fed me and made me once again back into His image. Thank you, Lord!
Next, the assault of the secretaries . . .
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