“…As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ...” These words are spoken at every Mass, but how often do we really think about them? The season of Advent calls us to slow down and become more aware of waiting: waiting for the Feast of the Incarnation, waiting for Christ to come again, waiting with ‘joyful hope.’ As Christians, we are called to be a people of joyful waiting. In spite of the great haste around us, we can wait because we have hope in God and in God’s promise. We have a taste of what is to come, and we await the chance to experience the fullness of God’s mystery. We await union with God, and our lives should reflect that longing.
Today, we ask God, “Direct this earthen vessel of your making toward only that which fulfills your purpose in, through, and with me.” We are on a journey, moving along some trajectory that we have already begun and have not yet completed. We cannot see where our travels end, but we know that God directs the whole of our lives. When we know this with our whole being, we humble ourselves before God with unconditional trust, unwavering hope. When we acknowledge with our lives that God is in control, the hope that helps unite us to God shines out, and we become a beacon of hope for others.
Many blessing in this season of Advent,
Kristen
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
On the First Sunday of Advent, the DV's gave to me...
There are days in my life where I feel my personal theme song is the artistic opus “4 Minutes” by the visionary musicians Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland. You know, the moment that you’ve been told that a letter has to get out today and it's raining sideways outside and mail collection is in 5 minutes and the mailbox is 5 blocks away and… you get the picture. “God, give my feet wings. I can see the mailman pulling up to the box and these letters need to get picked up today. Please help me cover these last two blocks quickly.” God willing, we are going to keep working in his vineyard for the rest of our natural lives, but sometimes it seems like we’ve only got four minutes left to save a particular vine or repair a particular arbor.
That’s why Advent is awesome. We get four weeks to reflect on what it means to wait. As we anticipate Christmas, we are encouraged to remember Christ will come again and that we are a people living in an imperfect world and we are to await joyfully the moment when we are to be reunited to the one who made and saved us. This isn’t a passive waiting. I mean who just sits and waits for Christmas to come? No! Reject this! Give in to the season (of Advent, not the “holiday season”)! Find gifts to give your loved ones! Decorate! Bake cookies! Send some to me! Reflect on your significant milestones in the previous year, summarize this in letter format and send it out to all your friends! You’ve only got four weeks to save the world!
Just kidding about that last part. Remember, we live in an imperfect world, and we’re still waiting for that perfection to come. So it’s ok if the Advent checklist isn’t done in time for Christmas. Something better is on the way. I mean, are we honestly going to see the Second Coming and ask for more time to complete unfinished business? “God, can you come back next week? I’m making a real breakthrough with this student, one more session and I think she’ll really get fractions.” In a perfect world, advent would be exactly four weeks long, and we’d have 28 shopping days to prepare for Christmas. In reality, Christmas will always “surprise” us somewhere in the middle of that fourth week, and all we can do is wait for it in joyful anticipation.
~ Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. ~
That’s why Advent is awesome. We get four weeks to reflect on what it means to wait. As we anticipate Christmas, we are encouraged to remember Christ will come again and that we are a people living in an imperfect world and we are to await joyfully the moment when we are to be reunited to the one who made and saved us. This isn’t a passive waiting. I mean who just sits and waits for Christmas to come? No! Reject this! Give in to the season (of Advent, not the “holiday season”)! Find gifts to give your loved ones! Decorate! Bake cookies! Send some to me! Reflect on your significant milestones in the previous year, summarize this in letter format and send it out to all your friends! You’ve only got four weeks to save the world!
Just kidding about that last part. Remember, we live in an imperfect world, and we’re still waiting for that perfection to come. So it’s ok if the Advent checklist isn’t done in time for Christmas. Something better is on the way. I mean, are we honestly going to see the Second Coming and ask for more time to complete unfinished business? “God, can you come back next week? I’m making a real breakthrough with this student, one more session and I think she’ll really get fractions.” In a perfect world, advent would be exactly four weeks long, and we’d have 28 shopping days to prepare for Christmas. In reality, Christmas will always “surprise” us somewhere in the middle of that fourth week, and all we can do is wait for it in joyful anticipation.
~ Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. ~
James 5: 7-8
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Celebration of Christ the King
In Spanish, Christ the King, translates to Cristo Rey and what better day of the Church year than today to give you an update from ICA Cristo Rey? But before I do, I want to tell you about church today
Christ the King is one of my favorite Church holidays. It is the end of ordinary time and the end of the Church year. it is the beginning of the Advent season (and the holiday season) there is incense and high celebration of our Lord and Savior as the King of Creation. He was the one who opened wide the gates for all to enter. Today at Church we sang this song and so beautiful and regal I felt like I really understood the tangible nature of our King. i found a youtube clip of this song, called Jerusalem the Holy City. I will wait while you listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRil3T1Ey7A
In our Mass today at Most Holy Redeemer, this song came as the preparation of the gifts, right after the homily. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer always seems to move me, but today especially the priest emphasized that our King was not a king of a monarchy, that it was not a governmental leadership.
Christ the King is one of my favorite Church holidays. It is the end of ordinary time and the end of the Church year. it is the beginning of the Advent season (and the holiday season) there is incense and high celebration of our Lord and Savior as the King of Creation. He was the one who opened wide the gates for all to enter. Today at Church we sang this song and so beautiful and regal I felt like I really understood the tangible nature of our King. i found a youtube clip of this song, called Jerusalem the Holy City. I will wait while you listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRil3T1Ey7A
Last night I lay a-sleeping there came a dream so fair, I stood in old Jerusalem beside the temple there. I heard the children singing, and ever as they sang I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang, I thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And then I thought my dream was changed, the streets no longer rang. Hushed were the glad Hosannas the little children sang. The sun grew dark with mystery, the morn was cold and chill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill, as the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Hark! How the angels sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!
And once again the scene was changed, new earth there seemed to be. I saw the Holy City beside the tideless sea. The light of God was on its streets, the gates were open wide, and all who would might enter, and no one was denied. No need of moon or stars by night, or sun to shine by day; it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away, it was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o'er! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna forevermore!
In our Mass today at Most Holy Redeemer, this song came as the preparation of the gifts, right after the homily. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer always seems to move me, but today especially the priest emphasized that our King was not a king of a monarchy, that it was not a governmental leadership.
His is a kingdom not of power, but one of humility and of service. He is not a king who seeks to bend the will of others, but to bend before them in service. When asked what is the truth our King proclaims that I AM the Way, I AM the Truth, and I AM the Light. We are called to imitate our King. Not only is the gate opened the one time, but also over and over and over again. especially in celebrating with neighbor, family, friend we fulfill our kingship.
On Friday one of the freshman were in our office, asking questions. At the end of her conversation she pulled Max aside and said, Mr Straube if someone says really racist things, and they are your friends, and you dont want to upset them, and you dont want to get too upset yourself, what should you do. Max said, here, let me show you something. He took her to the one end of the room where the crucifix of our King was hanging on the wall. And he brought her right underneath it. What do you see? Mr. Straube, that's the crucifix. And do you remember what Jesus said when he was here? Father forgive them, the student answered. Max said exactly. He forgave, and asked that God forgive them too, as he was dying. and Jesus said Love your enemies. Max was very honest with the student as he admitted that he too always struggled with this line. Perhaps my priest from this sunday, in asking us to celebrate in service with our neighbor, family and friend, unintentionally overlooked enemies as well. But that is why I am linking the two together for us. Christ the King overcame death so the gate could be opened for all. Not only the ones we like and get along with, but the ones that are hardest to pray for. That is why i liked our reflection song so much today; The new Jerusalem will not pass away, and the gates are opened wide for all, there will be none denied.
That is why Cristo Rey is my favorite church holiday.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Keep South Chicago in Your Prayers
A Reflection and a Request
In the past week, there have been two murders in South Chicago, 3 blocks north of where Katie and I live (91st street). Same spot both times - 87th street bus stop.
Last Friday 11/13, a 21 year old man was shot because of gang related alliances. Today, a 17 year old boy was shot for probably the same reason. The glass that was the exterior of the bus stop shelter is shattered. Now the hundreds of people who pass by that bus stop or take the bus from there will have to live with a constant reminder of the violence and disregard for the importance of life, the beauty of life, that lives and grows in their neighborhood, our neighborhood.
Just yesterday I stood in the back of three classrooms in an elementary school on 119th street and listened as Jacob, Diane, Anthony, Alonzo, Darrell, Victor, LaToya, and Gerald all told their own story of living on the streets. They each spoke of their experience with drugs, violence, uncontrollable anger, alcohol, addiction to money and power, and their time in prison. They each gave the 7th and 8th grade students advice on how to stay away from living on the streets and/or joining gangs. Some of the St. Leonard's residents made the students laugh, some made the students pay attention, some even made the students realize they can reach their goals as long as they stick to the road less travelled by and stay in school. The students asked questions, they wanted to know more details, wanted to know more about the speaker's new path to a successful life without the family they built in alleyways and lived with on street corners. The kids listened, or so it seemed.
Some students began a mini-fight outside the school after the last bell; in front of the parents and in front of all the men and women who just shared their souls with them. It may have been playful because they knew everyone was watching, but it still hurt to see it. I know I shouldn't expect a talk to kids to get through on the first time, but I was hopeful.
We, the men and women of St. Leonard's and myself, travel to another elementary school tomorrow to continue telling kids what it's really like to be a gangster and how to avoid it. Please keep us, and all the victims of violence in South Chicago and the world, in your thoughts and prayers. Please also send some good vibes of love and compassion our way, South Chicago really needs some right now.
Peace & love to you all,
Emily
In the past week, there have been two murders in South Chicago, 3 blocks north of where Katie and I live (91st street). Same spot both times - 87th street bus stop.
Last Friday 11/13, a 21 year old man was shot because of gang related alliances. Today, a 17 year old boy was shot for probably the same reason. The glass that was the exterior of the bus stop shelter is shattered. Now the hundreds of people who pass by that bus stop or take the bus from there will have to live with a constant reminder of the violence and disregard for the importance of life, the beauty of life, that lives and grows in their neighborhood, our neighborhood.
Just yesterday I stood in the back of three classrooms in an elementary school on 119th street and listened as Jacob, Diane, Anthony, Alonzo, Darrell, Victor, LaToya, and Gerald all told their own story of living on the streets. They each spoke of their experience with drugs, violence, uncontrollable anger, alcohol, addiction to money and power, and their time in prison. They each gave the 7th and 8th grade students advice on how to stay away from living on the streets and/or joining gangs. Some of the St. Leonard's residents made the students laugh, some made the students pay attention, some even made the students realize they can reach their goals as long as they stick to the road less travelled by and stay in school. The students asked questions, they wanted to know more details, wanted to know more about the speaker's new path to a successful life without the family they built in alleyways and lived with on street corners. The kids listened, or so it seemed.
Some students began a mini-fight outside the school after the last bell; in front of the parents and in front of all the men and women who just shared their souls with them. It may have been playful because they knew everyone was watching, but it still hurt to see it. I know I shouldn't expect a talk to kids to get through on the first time, but I was hopeful.
We, the men and women of St. Leonard's and myself, travel to another elementary school tomorrow to continue telling kids what it's really like to be a gangster and how to avoid it. Please keep us, and all the victims of violence in South Chicago and the world, in your thoughts and prayers. Please also send some good vibes of love and compassion our way, South Chicago really needs some right now.
Peace & love to you all,
Emily
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Experience at the UN
So because I had Vetrans Day off from TORCH, I decided to see what life is like for my roommates. They are Loretto Volunteers both working with the Loretto NGO at the UN, and life at the UN does not stop for most holidays. We went to their office in the church center opposite the UN before going to a meeting of the Subcommittee for Affordable Medication (SAM) which is under the committee of HIV/AIDS. Their main topic of the meeting was about one woman's conversation with the ambassador of Swaziland, and how the committee would like to work on getting medication to the people of Swaziland because they have the highest percentage of people who are infected - 39% of people living there! And just to fill you all in, because I had no idea, Swaziland is a tiny country about the size of NJ between South Africa and Mozambique. I'm not sure how much of the particulars I'm allowed to disclose, but one of the ladies has connections to an organization that has helped set up factories for medicine production & education for the people about the medicines in other third world countries and she is going to see if they will get involved. It was exciting to witness the progress of this subcommittee!
I was able to participate in the meeting a little too! Nothing huge ofcourse, but they are using my suggestion for the rewording of their mission statement, and my wording for recognizing the Swaziland ambassador at World Aids Day for his effort. There was disagreement because originally they were going to honor him, but since he hasnt really done anything yet besides talk, they liked my idea of recognizing him and his efforts.
After that meeting, I had lunch with Sr. Margaret Mayce!! It was an informal little get together, but I had a good time. It was nice to see her again also. After lunch we did a little fun stuff by finding the US Mission's temporary home (reg. building underconstruction) and went to UNICEF. Then Mary Jo & Stephanie had to do actual work in the office, so I helped out by making a flyer for a Forum that the Committee for Social Development is hosting.
Later that evening we went to a sneak preview of the documentary "The End of Poverty?" followed by a Q&A session with the ambassador of Bolivia, the director of the movie, the producer, an economist who is famous but I didn't know, and the head of FreeSpeech.org who played a major part in making the movie happen. This movie gives you so much to think about, and explains the major reasons why there is poverty throughout the world while there are other people who have more money than they could ever spend. It put the idea of simple living that we are doing into a whole new perspective because as we struggle to make $100 last a month, there are people who are living on less than 1cent a day. One of the other ideas that hit me was that the US uses about 40% or so of all the natural resources, while places like Bolivia use less than one percent. If everyone in the world was to use as much as the US, we would need 6 Earths, while if we all used as little as the Bolivians, we would only use 1/6th of the earth.
This movie is going on a national tour, and coming to some of the cities that you are all in!! I would definitly recommend going to see it because it is so real. It is a documuntary so its very factual, but its presented in a very easy to understand way. I was walking to the train with Mary Jo, Steph, and Sally (the Loretto NGO) and talking about how I wish that I could give this movie to everyone I know for Christmas because I think its something everyone should have to think about. Sally responded with, "I wish that I could ask everyone to watch this for Christmas as their gift to me."
Check out the website & tour dates!
www.theendofpoverty.com
I was able to participate in the meeting a little too! Nothing huge ofcourse, but they are using my suggestion for the rewording of their mission statement, and my wording for recognizing the Swaziland ambassador at World Aids Day for his effort. There was disagreement because originally they were going to honor him, but since he hasnt really done anything yet besides talk, they liked my idea of recognizing him and his efforts.
After that meeting, I had lunch with Sr. Margaret Mayce!! It was an informal little get together, but I had a good time. It was nice to see her again also. After lunch we did a little fun stuff by finding the US Mission's temporary home (reg. building underconstruction) and went to UNICEF. Then Mary Jo & Stephanie had to do actual work in the office, so I helped out by making a flyer for a Forum that the Committee for Social Development is hosting.
Later that evening we went to a sneak preview of the documentary "The End of Poverty?" followed by a Q&A session with the ambassador of Bolivia, the director of the movie, the producer, an economist who is famous but I didn't know, and the head of FreeSpeech.org who played a major part in making the movie happen. This movie gives you so much to think about, and explains the major reasons why there is poverty throughout the world while there are other people who have more money than they could ever spend. It put the idea of simple living that we are doing into a whole new perspective because as we struggle to make $100 last a month, there are people who are living on less than 1cent a day. One of the other ideas that hit me was that the US uses about 40% or so of all the natural resources, while places like Bolivia use less than one percent. If everyone in the world was to use as much as the US, we would need 6 Earths, while if we all used as little as the Bolivians, we would only use 1/6th of the earth.
This movie is going on a national tour, and coming to some of the cities that you are all in!! I would definitly recommend going to see it because it is so real. It is a documuntary so its very factual, but its presented in a very easy to understand way. I was walking to the train with Mary Jo, Steph, and Sally (the Loretto NGO) and talking about how I wish that I could give this movie to everyone I know for Christmas because I think its something everyone should have to think about. Sally responded with, "I wish that I could ask everyone to watch this for Christmas as their gift to me."
Check out the website & tour dates!
www.theendofpoverty.com
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday morning walk
When I walk the streets of Amityville, it begins to feel like home. The sun streams through the few clouds and the multi-colored leaves dance through the air-I love the east coast! Yet, everything isn't flowers and dasies. I think about the women I teach. What are they doing on this perfect Sunday morning? I have the time to take a stroll, but do they have time to just be? For some I think they do, but for others I'm not sure. At times I struggle with guilt thinking of the many things they do to keep their heads above water, but what good does it help for me to feel guilty? What good is it for me to give up the safety and security of my life to make it more like their lives?
I realize my life is planned. There is a reason I am able to get money easily and can't even fathom living in costant fear. The stability of my life allows me to be a part in creating stability for their lives. And their lives are a part of mine. We are the same in so many ways. Neither of us are perfect-at many times I become frustrated when a women dosen't come to class for days at a time or leaves early because "mucho sleepy, Miss Sarita." And I realize there are times their children or their heath must come first, but I know they are like me and at times skip class because they just don't feel like it.
And so all this runs through my head on a Sunday morning walk. I also think of and miss my family and friends, and thank God for their presence in my life. Then I tell myself my life's not so bad if the worst thing is I go a few months without walking my dog or laughing till I cry with my friends. There is so much more out there I have yet to miss and so much is happening now I have yet to appreciate...and all of it is planned. I may not hold the book. I may not be the one to highlight the important days or draw smiley faces near the things I anticipate, but they happen anyway. I'm not in control.
I'M not in control.
I'm NOT in control.
I'M NOT IN CONTROL.
And it drives me CRAZY....
....and puts me at ease.
I realize my life is planned. There is a reason I am able to get money easily and can't even fathom living in costant fear. The stability of my life allows me to be a part in creating stability for their lives. And their lives are a part of mine. We are the same in so many ways. Neither of us are perfect-at many times I become frustrated when a women dosen't come to class for days at a time or leaves early because "mucho sleepy, Miss Sarita." And I realize there are times their children or their heath must come first, but I know they are like me and at times skip class because they just don't feel like it.
And so all this runs through my head on a Sunday morning walk. I also think of and miss my family and friends, and thank God for their presence in my life. Then I tell myself my life's not so bad if the worst thing is I go a few months without walking my dog or laughing till I cry with my friends. There is so much more out there I have yet to miss and so much is happening now I have yet to appreciate...and all of it is planned. I may not hold the book. I may not be the one to highlight the important days or draw smiley faces near the things I anticipate, but they happen anyway. I'm not in control.
I'M not in control.
I'm NOT in control.
I'M NOT IN CONTROL.
And it drives me CRAZY....
....and puts me at ease.
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