At the age of four, the Jewish-American violinist, Itzhak Perlman contracted polio. Ever since he has worn metal braces on his legs and only walks with the aid of crutches, yet he is one of the great virtuosi of our time. He is an Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music teacher and has performed worldwide over decades.

A story is told that he once came out on the stage at a concert to play a violin concerto. Laying down his crutches, he placed the violin under his chin and began tuning the instrument when one of the strings broke. The audience saw what happened and thought he would ask for another sting or send for another violin. Instead Itzhak signalled to the conductor to begin and he played the entire concerto on three strings. The audience gave him a standing ovation and called on him to speak. What he said, so the story goes, was this:

‘My task in life is to make music with what remains’.

He was a referring to more than a broken violin string. It was also a comment on Itzhak’s approach to his paralysis and on all that is broken in his lives.

Advent calls us to fine tunes our hearts to listen to the music with what remains in our lives,
no matter what our limits or setbacks may be.
Each year the Lord keeps coming to give us hope and encouragement.
‘He comes to save us’ (….Psalm 84).

Strengthen all weary hearts,
steady all trembling knees
and say to all faint hearts,
‘Courage! Do not be afraid’

As you run the race of this present life,
may he make you firm in faith,
joyful in hope and active in charity.
(Advent Blessing in the Roman Missal)

Come Lord Jesus