Three summers ago I landed in Costa Rica to begin a seven-week study abroad course focused around Spanish language and Central American culture. For me the most intense part of a study abroad experience is the moment of meeting the host family. The family defines a crucial (and for the student, unchangeable) aspect of the environment; they remain a mere assortment of facts on paper until they suddenly spring to life in an airport terminal in a foreign country.
After waiting just outside the San José airport for what felt like hours, I spotted an eager couple holding a piece of paper with my name scribbled in unmistakably large letters. From the moment I met my host parents Gema and Edwin, I counted all my apprehensions as silly. They would become my enthusiastic guides to an incomprehensibly gorgeous country and to a language whose subtleties I was only just beginning to understand. As I would discover, their zeal permeated their faith and their community as well.
Having arrived in the middle of May, I was fortunate to catch the latter half of an unforgettable Costa Rican phenomenon. May is the month of Mary, often celebrated in the U.S. with May Crowning ceremonies in which we adorn Mary’s head with a wreath of flowers. In my particular Costa Rican neighborhood of San Lorenzo, they took May to the next step. The members of the community banded together to decorate a small float with a statue of Mary as the centerpiece. Every evening the float would move to a new family’s house, where the community would gather after dinner. Then anyone could volunteer to help lead the group in a recitation of the rosary. (I found that praying the rosary aloud in Costa Rica differed dramatically, and often humorously, from my own previous experience; rather than rely on a set rhythm of recitation as we do in the U.S. to ensure that everyone stays together, people in my Costa Rican community simply prayed the prayers at their own pace, creating a wondrous cacophony of praise.) Once the prayer finished and we sang a few hymns together the hosting family presented refreshments and everyone spent some time chatting with neighbors and meeting new friends.
What a fantastic tradition! This nightly rosary procession represented to me the embodiment and interconnectedness of the cornerstones. Prayer, of course, was the reason we gathered, but we also celebrated community in gathering together and spending time in conversation, simplicity in being fully present to each other and sharing our talents, and service in offering hospitality. With May nearly upon us, let us take time to reflect on how Mary’s simple desire to do God’s will changed the course of human history. Perhaps we can take some time to pray a rosary and gather our community and friends. I truly believe that all the cornerstones are intertwined, but without prayer as a foundation none of them can be sustained.
-by Adam Austin
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Prayer: The Reminder and Celebration of Earth Day
I'm a bit behind this week, but I thought we could spend some time reflecting on Earth Day which is this Wednesday - April 22nd.
The first thought that came to mind when I thought of Earth Day was the fact that this year there is a great movement in the White House to End Mountain Top Removal (a problem that is very prevalent all over Appalachia including southern West Virgina). This movement also brings to light the need for greater care for our natural resources in the Appalachian region. Check out these links on The Alliance for Appalachia's website for some more information about that:
The first thought that came to mind when I thought of Earth Day was the fact that this year there is a great movement in the White House to End Mountain Top Removal (a problem that is very prevalent all over Appalachia including southern West Virgina). This movement also brings to light the need for greater care for our natural resources in the Appalachian region. Check out these links on The Alliance for Appalachia's website for some more information about that:
Janet Schaeffer provides a nice reflection on the connection between Earth Day and our Catholic faith. She also points out the fact that Earth Day should be a reminder of how we should act in our everyday lives, that "Earth Day" extends to every other day of the year. Having our own faith in mind, as well as this celebration of Earth Day - lets take some time this week to think about how we use our resources and how we could be more mindful of the resources we use, the things we take for granted, and the things that we are waste. How does, or should, our own faithfulness and our own prayer lives affect the way we interact with the gift of our own environment?
Check out Janet's reflection at: http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/Archives+177/Faith+Formation+04-04-23.htm
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Simplicity: Focusing on the Sun, Celebrate Easter!
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!
To begin our Easter season the staff hiked to the top of our hill very early this morning to watch the sunrise. I couldn't help but compare the sun and its production to Jesus' rising from the dead on this day. I'll assume that we've all heard many comparisons with sunrises and sunsets to our faith lives, especially since they are a great place to find God (I realize assuming is a risky thing to do). But this morning I was struck by some symbolism I hadn't quite thought of. As I watched the sun come over the mountain I couldn't help but stare at it, just like you do when you're a kid and then you can't see for a few minutes while your eyes adjust. I realize this probably wasn't the smartest decision for the health of my eyes, but I couldn't quite help myself. While focusing in on the sun, its brightness overcame everything around it and I could hardly see anything else besides that vast array of light. I found myself using trees to shade myself for a few second, but I almost felt guilty for doing so because I didn't want anything to come between myself and Jesus. And somehow, I found this as a simple way to focus my thoughts and my energy on Jesus' resurrection. In the stations of the cross we find Jesus stripped of all his garments and his dignity. Even when he is buried he is only provided with a linen cloth in a small, simple tomb. Amidst this simplicity he was able to focus on what was really important - the will of God.
This Easter season let us focus ourselves on what is really important, the Son of God, Chris out Savior and the light and warmth that He provides for us in our days. Let us pray that all that comes between God and ourselves may be pushed aside, so that we may rejoice in the loving grace of God. When Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph approach the tomb of Jesus they begin to wonder how they will move the stone which comes between Jesus and themselves... how will they remove this blockade? However, when they arrive at the tomb they find that the power of God has removed this blockade so that they may seek Christ in the world around them. Let us reflect on how Christ has freed us from sin and how we may simplify our lives to be focused on God's presence around us.
Rejoice in the Lord and His loving sacrifice and majesty!
To begin our Easter season the staff hiked to the top of our hill very early this morning to watch the sunrise. I couldn't help but compare the sun and its production to Jesus' rising from the dead on this day. I'll assume that we've all heard many comparisons with sunrises and sunsets to our faith lives, especially since they are a great place to find God (I realize assuming is a risky thing to do). But this morning I was struck by some symbolism I hadn't quite thought of. As I watched the sun come over the mountain I couldn't help but stare at it, just like you do when you're a kid and then you can't see for a few minutes while your eyes adjust. I realize this probably wasn't the smartest decision for the health of my eyes, but I couldn't quite help myself. While focusing in on the sun, its brightness overcame everything around it and I could hardly see anything else besides that vast array of light. I found myself using trees to shade myself for a few second, but I almost felt guilty for doing so because I didn't want anything to come between myself and Jesus. And somehow, I found this as a simple way to focus my thoughts and my energy on Jesus' resurrection. In the stations of the cross we find Jesus stripped of all his garments and his dignity. Even when he is buried he is only provided with a linen cloth in a small, simple tomb. Amidst this simplicity he was able to focus on what was really important - the will of God.
This Easter season let us focus ourselves on what is really important, the Son of God, Chris out Savior and the light and warmth that He provides for us in our days. Let us pray that all that comes between God and ourselves may be pushed aside, so that we may rejoice in the loving grace of God. When Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph approach the tomb of Jesus they begin to wonder how they will move the stone which comes between Jesus and themselves... how will they remove this blockade? However, when they arrive at the tomb they find that the power of God has removed this blockade so that they may seek Christ in the world around them. Let us reflect on how Christ has freed us from sin and how we may simplify our lives to be focused on God's presence around us.
Rejoice in the Lord and His loving sacrifice and majesty!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Community: Violence in Media
(I've edited this one twice for accuracy of my opinion... feel free to post your comments whether you agree or not, I'm playing a bit of the devil's advocate here.)
It was a while ago that I finished reading Fr. John Dear, S.J.'s book "A Persistent Peace." John Dear reflects on his own life and his quest for nonviolence, including his own commitment to live fight for human rights while also supporting nonviolent acts. This theme of nonviolence caused me to reflect on a lot of themes that are prevalent in movies these days.
Since I've been on staff we've watched quite a few movies, including two trips to our local (and cheap) theater. The first of those was to see "The International." In this recent film violence is a dominant theme as good attempts to prevail over evil using violent acts, but does not since violence is not the answer. It serves as a positive example of the need for peaceful resolutions instead of violent actions, but a large part of me is also troubled by how widely accepted violence is in today's media.
When I see films like "The International" I can't help but think of what things my own children will someday watch. I struggle with the fact that many TV shows and movies these days demonstrate violence as an acceptable form of expression, therefore teaching children that it is suitable to use force to fulfill their desires. It is this sense of expression, this over-tolerated violence, that causes our communities and world to be so dismantled. If we are continually seeking to be better than the next person without allowing ourselves to understand one another, the we are not only crushing the common good and any sense of community, we are allowing something to become the norm that in no way should be so heavily tolerated.
Jesus' death on the cross was truly done in a humiliating and violent fashion, but never did he resort to violent retaliation. And in the end, good prevailed - Jesus rose from the dead and brought us the gift of everlasting life, he never even flinched to use violence. Taking time this week to reflect on the closing of Lent and the Passion of the Lord, ask ourselves in what ways we encourage this culture of violence. This can go far beyond physical force, but even when we degrade others and fail to recognize their human dignity. How can we change our lives to seek peace and to do so in ways that are peaceful? How can we better build community and seek to rebuild communities torn apart by violence? I know I won't be watching any violent films for quite a while... or I'll at least be aware of how they portray violence.
It was a while ago that I finished reading Fr. John Dear, S.J.'s book "A Persistent Peace." John Dear reflects on his own life and his quest for nonviolence, including his own commitment to live fight for human rights while also supporting nonviolent acts. This theme of nonviolence caused me to reflect on a lot of themes that are prevalent in movies these days.
Since I've been on staff we've watched quite a few movies, including two trips to our local (and cheap) theater. The first of those was to see "The International." In this recent film violence is a dominant theme as good attempts to prevail over evil using violent acts, but does not since violence is not the answer. It serves as a positive example of the need for peaceful resolutions instead of violent actions, but a large part of me is also troubled by how widely accepted violence is in today's media.
When I see films like "The International" I can't help but think of what things my own children will someday watch. I struggle with the fact that many TV shows and movies these days demonstrate violence as an acceptable form of expression, therefore teaching children that it is suitable to use force to fulfill their desires. It is this sense of expression, this over-tolerated violence, that causes our communities and world to be so dismantled. If we are continually seeking to be better than the next person without allowing ourselves to understand one another, the we are not only crushing the common good and any sense of community, we are allowing something to become the norm that in no way should be so heavily tolerated.
Jesus' death on the cross was truly done in a humiliating and violent fashion, but never did he resort to violent retaliation. And in the end, good prevailed - Jesus rose from the dead and brought us the gift of everlasting life, he never even flinched to use violence. Taking time this week to reflect on the closing of Lent and the Passion of the Lord, ask ourselves in what ways we encourage this culture of violence. This can go far beyond physical force, but even when we degrade others and fail to recognize their human dignity. How can we change our lives to seek peace and to do so in ways that are peaceful? How can we better build community and seek to rebuild communities torn apart by violence? I know I won't be watching any violent films for quite a while... or I'll at least be aware of how they portray violence.
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