God Brought the Music to Comfort my Soul

Ellen Mongan recalls the ways God has comforted her in times of suffering and uncertainty.

He said in reply, "'I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!'" (Luke 19:40)

These words were imprinted in my soul during the months of the pandemic quarantine. It was a time of distress and profound loneliness. Alone in my prayer closet, I learned to listen, quiet my soul, and wait for life to return to normal.  

A Time of Worldwide Despair

The masks were a minor inconvenience compared to the loss of life and livelihood that swept our nation. I wondered whether our nation would recover. Amid our suffering, God was doing a holy work. Psalm 91 was prayed by many as an armor of protection. A call to repentance was sounded.

If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Many were called to pray for our nation.  

I, like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, cried out, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” (John 20:13b). I wailed with tears flowing as never before. I beseeched my Heavenly Father, “Dear God, in this time when we need the healing power of the Eucharist most to sustain the believers of Christ, it is absent." I wept for all who did not know Christ or the power of the Eucharist.  

The Lord gave comfort to my soul

Then, the Lord comforted my soul, not through words, but in a “knowingness” that one understands only in prayer. God used a precious memory. Instantly, my mind flashed back to my wedding day in 1974. My dad was walking me down the aisle and looked into my eyes with a dad’s love. I knew he was going to say something important. What did he say to this blushing bride? “Ellen,” he said, “Where is the music?”

I panicked. “Daddy, we forgot to get music!”

Dad knew just what to do. In Frank Sinatra's voice, he broke out in the song, “Dum dum da dum ...”

Of course I, being Daddy’s girl, had to join in. We sang in unison as we walked down the aisle toward my groom. Daddy always brought the music! 

I smiled from ear to ear because the memory was so vivid. Then my Heavenly Father silently spoke: “I will bring the music. I will bring the music!” The blessed assurance that comes from knowing the faithfulness of our holy God filled my soul. Tears welled in my eyes, and I could barely contain myself. I knew just what my Heavenly Father meant. He would bring the music like my daddy did. He would save the day, like Daddy on my wedding day. I could not help myself as I burst into the song, “Dum dum da dum ...” Then I thanked my Heavenly Father for always bringing music into my life. 

Hope took over

Hope took over in my weary soul. God would bring life back into our nation, churches, and hearts. A renewal was being birthed in the hearts of God’s people. Armed with the Word of God and prayer, the Holy Spirit was training disciples, evangelists, and teachers. God bestowed new gifts upon those who waited at His feet. They were ready to roll up their sleeves to be used by God to renew the face of the earth. 

I look back on the days gone by, which have become a vague memory. I often remind myself of how God "restored the years the locust ate.” It is the year of the Eucharist, and Catholics receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ with awe and reverence. We can receive Jesus under both species again. Parishioners genuflect before Him, are more attentive at Mass, and embrace their faith in their own prayer times. Our One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church is a witness to the world. People have found their smiles again and share life with family and friends. Gladly, we shake hands with our neighbor without fear, saying, “Peace be with you.” God has restored new life in our Church and His people. 

My hope has grown, and I have added to it the blessed assurance of God’s faithfulness. My Heavenly Father's words, “I will bring the music,” have become a reality. May our lives become a thank-you card to our Lord and Savior. Let us praise God with all our hearts, singing a melody in harmony with the Lord.  

Is a trial or a loss closing your ears to hearing God's song in your heart? I pray that our Heavenly Father will bring the music to your heart again so you can sing in unison!  

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Ellen Mongan
Images: Canva