St. George’s Jazz Mass encourages justice

At The People’s Jazz Mass Oct. 16 at St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson, Father Max Wolf offered the message that justice is the true meaning of the words in the bible. During his visits with the community he said he finds that people often use scripture to support their opinion of things occurring in the world.

To shift some of the hostility presented in these encounters he is considering carrying the Red Letter edition Bible that highlights words spoken by Jesus while he was on Earth. He also likes the Jefferson Bible which was created by Thomas Jefferson who cut and pasted the verses that he agreed with and disposed of those he didn’t like, both are small enough to have handy to share words that inspire helping people and promote justice without judgement or venom.

In addition he said music is important for the spirit and contains vibrations that lift one’s energy. He pointed to several songs that are meaningful in his life such as Johnny Cash singing “Danny Boy” for times when he prepares for somber situations, or Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” that was his theme song for his life since he moved so often from parish to parish, or Christopher Cross singing “Sailing” is so meaningful for a peaceful journey.

The People’s Jazz Mass is a way to meld both the rituals of religion and the spirit of song to share a message of promoting justice and equity in one’s life and for those around us in every walk of life.