To die for a smile.

Saint Cecilia by Guido Reni, 1606

Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Music and Musicians. As with most saints, her story is one of romantic tragedy, Middle Age inhumanity and ignorance, and inevitable martyrdom.
On the way to work this morning, in the midst of the thickest part of traffic on my three minute, 48 second commute, the was a steel pan band on the road side playing the most cheerful tunes. They were set up under a tent on the northern side of the round about without any signage or self accolade. Commuters out of earshot on the southern side wore stony faces of varying degrees of unfortunately regular annoyance. However, as you overtook the stagnant line of vehicles with your gaze, those grave countenances yielded to curiosity, mild amusement and eventually sheer joy. Smiles broke where once lips were held taut. Heads bobbed where they once stayed low. Hearts soared where once they barely sputtered.
Doesn't matter your religion to appreciate what a little music, some selfless offering, can do to brighten everyone's day. It may horrify some to think of why we are priveledged to have such a treat this morning. I think the horror may be balanced if at least one person honours not just her memory, but her faith.
Thanks for your sacrifice St. Cecilia.