Sunday, February 8, 2026 – The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Recently as I was marching up and down the aisles during a routine trip to the Hyde Park Kroger store, over the intercom system the song Beginnings by the group Chicago rang throughout the store. Now, Chicago is one of my favorite bands and this is one of their top songs for me. Immediately there was a bounce in my step and I started quietly singing the verses of the song. I can assure you I did not embarrass myself or call attention to my behavior—I think.
Afterwards, as I drove home and recalling that moment, still having the song in my brain, it made me once again consider what else inspires me and adds that “bounce to my step.” Does my faith and believing in the Good News of Jesus Christ elevate my excitement level? Then I recalled the first verse of Beginnings:
When I’m with you, it doesn’t matter where we are, or what we’re doing
I’m with you, that’s all that matters
Time passes much too quickly when we’re together laughing
I wish I could sing it to you, oh no
I wish I could sing it to you
Can these words reflect my, and our relationship with God? Is the reality of a God who walks and talks with me, instilling wisdom and direction in my life give me such joy? Is God that special companion in my day-to-day comings and goings? Ah yes, that intersection of faith with cultural and social events!!!
At the risk of being sacrilegious, allow me to offer this suggestion. We all have our favorite songs from our youth and today. Songs with lyrics of relationships which are well written and meaningful. Maybe, just maybe, they can also reflect your relationship with God or what you feel your relationship with God could be. Songs which will bring you alive and will prompt you to proclaim that “God, you are my all and all!”
Our growth in our relationship with God can come from many familiar and unfamiliar directions. And perhaps through song, and I am speaking beyond the Gather hymnal (which is excellent) can offer us those meaningful lyrics which can bring to new life our personal relationship with God.