I’ve read quite a bit of science fiction over the years. At first, I read stories that painted a more-or-less positive view of the future. Lately, the newer stories are very dystopian or apocalyptic (e.g. “The Walking Dead”). Continue reading
cogitate
The Innate Mystery and Understanding of Music
You’ve probably seen this video on Facebook or somewhere similar, but I just had to share it here.
Pope Francis Scares Me
(source: Catholic News Agency)
Yes, I said it. Pope Francis scares me – but in a good and challenging way.
You’ve probably seen the photo of Pope Francis embracing the man with neurofibromatosis, and you may have read some of the articles written about that truly touching moment. You may have even read some of the critical commentary that implies that this has all been overblown, over sentimentalized, over emotionalized.
Those are all good discussions.
For me, it’s all been about the internal dialogue that has been occurring inside me.
When I see some act like that of Pope Francis, I can’t help but try to put myself into the shoes of those involved.
The nameless man with the disease put himself forward to meet Pope Francis. I have no knowledge of why he did this. I don’t know what he was hoping for, but it took guts to do it. I don’t want to make any assumptions about that. It’s a bit of a stretch, but his act reminds me of the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) which we heard recently in Mass.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector – an outcast in his society because of it. He was “short in stature”, that is, different when compared with those around him. When Jesus was passing through Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see him, so he climbed a sycamore tree – essentially “going out on a limb” for a better view. Jesus, noticing Zacchaeus’ efforts to be closer to him, reaches out to him and treats him as a normal member of the community.
I see some parallels between this story in the Gospel and what Pope Francis did.
In his time, Pope Francis has constantly shown me in visible and humble ways how much higher the “love your neighbor as yourself” bar is than I usually think.
I know I shouldn’t look for affirmations about my own faith and conduct only from the people I’m around. It’s too easy to be complacent. That’s why the examples of the saints and the saintly behavior of people like Pope Francis are important to consider and reflect upon.
Why does Pope Francis scare me? Because in his simple actions, he shows me just how far off the mark I am. How much more I could do.
How much more is being expected of us. Of me.
Pope Francis makes it look so simple, but I struggle with the question: “Can I do {THAT THING} that Pope Francis just showed us?”
When I try to put myself into his shoes, would I have been able to show love to that man, or would my instinctual fear, and yes, revulsion, have won the day?
And the next time I’m faced with a chance to show true love and charity, will I be brave enough to answer the call placed before me???
+++++
I was going to leave this post like that. A hanging question in the ethereal air.
But then, providentially, this new article pops up on www.news.va as I’m editing this post and shows me what I was missing. A marvelous story, called “An act of love for Noemi” , really should be read in its entirety.
But here’s the part that got to me. Here Pope Francis is talking about a “communion of charisms”, which reminds me that the gifts I need to carry out what I’m called to do, what I will face each day, are freely given by the Holy Spirit and I needed not worry too much if I’m up to the task:
“
A second aspect of communion in holy things is the communion of charisms. The Holy Spirit distributes to the faithful a multitude of spiritual gifts and graces; the “imaginative” wealth, let us say, of gifts of the Holy Spirit is ordered to the building up the Church. The charisms — that world is a little difficult — are gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us, talents, possibilities…. Gifts given not to be hidden but to be shared with others. They are not given for the benefit of the one who receives them, but for the use of the People of God. If a charism, one of these gifts, serves instead as self-affermation [sic], then it is doubtful that we are dealing with an authentic charism or one faithfully lived out. The charisms are special graces, given to some for the good of many others. They are attitudes, inspirations and interior promptings that are born in the consciences and experiences of certain people, who are called to put themselves at the service of the community. In particular, these spiritual gifts further the sanctity of the Church and her mission. We are all called to respect them in ourselves and in others, to receive them as serving the Church’s fruitful presence and work. St Paul warns: “Do not quench the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 5:19). Let us not quench the Spirit who gives us these gifts, these abilities, these very beautiful virtues that make the Church grow. (source: www.news.va)
“
Pope Francis also reminds me that none of us is alone. The Church as a community itself receives charisms from the Holy Spirit and if we work together, we can accomplish all those saintly acts, which we see in others, and more.
UPDATE: I recently learned about the awesome cartoons of Jason Bach. This one is just right for this post:
Alien Party Planners
I’m pretty sure this means that the Aliens are planning a luau on my street for Saturday night.
I might be wrong, but I think red Solo cups are definitely in the mix.
Goat Squad
Ever hear of something that you find really amusing but you’re not sure if it’s blog worthy? I chewed this story over for awhile but decided that it was deliciously Oklahoma enough to note here.
The City of Stillwater, home to my alma mater Oklahoma State University, has fielded a new team to tackle the bane of high vegetation throughout the city.
Meet the Stillwater Goat Squad here!
Yes, the Stillwater Goat Squad is on the munch throughout the city, keeping the wild prairie at bay in the truest tradition of the agricultural school that finds its home there. These mighty masticators kick butt and leave no leaf unturned.
Just when I thought my favorite town in Oklahoma couldn’t get more interesting, they now have a superhero herd of nannies and billies to capture the imagination and the tall grasses of the plains.
Certain that I have milked this story for all it’s worth, I must now hoof it over to Stillwater and see them in action myself. And you dear reader? Why I trust that at least one of you will join the quest on FB to name these wily masters of the underbrush.
Fortnight for Freedom: Day 13 – DIGNITATIS HUMANAE
On December 7, 1965, Pope Paul VI issued the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration of Religious Freedom “Dignitatis Humanae”
If you’ve never heard of it, or never read it, you can find it on the Vatican website here.
As I read it, I pulled some statements from it that I found resonating under our current situation and see in it all the more encouragement needed for defending our religious freedom.
On their part, all men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His Church, and to embrace the truth they come to know, and to hold fast to it.
This Vatican Council declares that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.
On his part, man perceives and acknowledges the imperatives of the divine law through the mediation of conscience. In all his activity a man is bound to follow his conscience in order that he may come to God, the end and purpose of life. It follows that he is not to be forced to act in manner contrary to his conscience. Nor, on the other hand, is he to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience, especially in matters religious.
The social nature of man, however, itself requires that he should give external expression to his internal acts of religion: that he should share with others in matters religious; that he should profess his religion in community. Injury therefore is done to the human person and to the very order established by God for human life, if the free exercise of religion is denied in society, provided just public order is observed.
The freedom or immunity from coercion in matters religious which is the endowment of persons as individuals is also to be recognized as their right when they act in community. Religious communities are a requirement of the social nature both of man and of religion itself.
Government is also to help create conditions favorable to the fostering of religious life, in order that the people may be truly enabled to exercise their religious rights and to fulfill their religious duties, and also in order that society itself may profit by the moral qualities of justice and peace which have their origin in men’s faithfulness to God and to His holy will.
The fact is that men of the present day want to be able freely to profess their religion in private and in public. Indeed, religious freedom has already been declared to be a civil right in most constitutions, and it is solemnly recognized in international documents.(38) The further fact is that forms of government still exist under which, even though freedom of religious worship receives constitutional recognition, the powers of government are engaged in the effort to deter citizens from the profession of religion and to make life very difficult and dangerous for religious communities.
These are some of the phrases that stood out to me, but it doesn’t necessarily portray the whole thought or intent of the document. I urge you to read it and form your own impressions, lest I be accused of trying to reframe the intention of the Council in writing this document.
When a house becomes a home
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Most of the time my house feels like just a house. It’s where I work, sleep and eat.
Occasionally though, someone will show up and breathe a new sense of life into the old place. Such was last weekend when my very good friends John and Nadine White came into town for our diocese’s priestly ordinations.
One of my former students and their classmate John Grant was ordained for our diocese by Bishop Edward Slattery. If I can find some good photos of that, I’ll share my thoughts in another post.
With John and Nadine came their daughter Sophie (4yrs old and my goddaughter), and Dominic (2 1/2 yrs old).
Suddenly my house became a home, with all that comes with having small children. Poopy diapers, pee puddles on the hardwood floor, broomsticks that became horsies, late night struggles to get the kids “down”, toast with the crust cut off, reverse psychology, and general pandemonium.
The photos above are just a small sample of the energy and excitement that now makes my house seem so quiet now that they’ve gone home.
Most of the above are photos the kids made themselves when they found out that my iPad has Photobooth on it.
Art from Chaos and Frivolity.
Thank God for children and good friends who share theirs with me.
Fortnight for Freedom: Day 4 – Bill of Rights
Americans are great at arguing about what they think the United States Constitution says or means. That’s an important part of being a free people, and it’s a freedom enumerated in the Constitution itself.
The Fortnight for Freedom has as one of its purposes (as I understand it) to stand up and demand that the rights listed in the First Amendment are not only understood as they were meant to be understood, but to be respected as they were meant to be respected.
Preamble to the Bill of Rights
Most Americans are familiar with the Preamble to the United States Constitution, “We the People …” Did you know that the Bill of Rights has a preamble as well?
It’s not as eloquent as the previous one, but it is critical in understanding the intent that Congress had in passing the Bill of Rights – the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution.
THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution. […]
I added the emphasis, but think about it. These articles were designed to limit the power of the Government expressly to prevent those in power from twisting the meaning of the freedoms guaranteed, and to give confidence to the people that the Government would be beneficent toward the people.
Many times over the past two centuries we have strayed from this intent. I have no doubts that the Framers of the Constitution would be livid at how it has been used and abused. What would they think of those currently in power?
I saw a comment online from someone, probably the ACLU, saying that the Catholic Church was being bigoted by promoting the Fortnight for Freedom. Really???
First, I don’t think this person really knows what the word bigotry means. If this fight was really about contraception as the media would have you believe, perhaps. But the educated really know this about defending the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans.
Second, all Americans, not just Catholics, not just religious believers, but all of us have a duty to defend the Constitution when it is being misconstrued, abused and non-beneficent. Our rights will not defend themselves in the face of ignorance, apathy and despotism.
WE must know our rights, fight for them, and use the most powerful weapons we have in our arsenal: the power of prayer and the power of the ballot box.
Baseball & Aliens
I spent two days last week in Dallas working on arrangements for the upcoming Catholic New Media Conference.
While there, I had the opportunity to attend a Texas Rangers baseball game at the stadium next door. I’m not the most knowledgeable baseball fan, but I do look forward to at least one professional baseball game each summer.
It was a nice evening and an enjoyable start to the game. Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. Neither are my team, but this is baseball, so who cares?
A few innings into the game, this storm showed up. It was a bit angry at not being invited to play. It decided to rain off and on for awhile, dropping some lightning and hail just to concern the stadium folks.
This crazy tarp showed up all of a sudden, so it was a sign to go in search of dollar hot dogs. You see, it was Dollar Hot Dog Night. Five was the limit, which was five too many when it comes to dollar hot dogs.
Play resumed after the angry storm moved off. Everyone was glad, except for the grounds crew which had to spread all that fresh dirt in the infield so it wasn’t muddy for the players.
That was when the alien ship from “Independence Day” showed up. They had the best seat in the house and were much talked about by the fans.
The aliens stuck around for awhile but when the Air Force didn’t come and attack, they got bored. From what I hear, they moved over to Grapevine, Texas and dropped big chunks of ice on people’s houses. Not what I call fun, but I’m not an alien.
The game continued, the Rangers eventually won the game in the last 2 innings, which was nice. If you look closely, though, you can see that the pitcher was a little bit sad that the aliens left.
Eventually, all the people wearing red, white or blue shirts were told to go home. The bright yellow people didn’t know quite what they were supposed to do, so they walked up stream just to be different.
Where did the week go?
Does this happen to you? Do you get to the end of the week and wonder where it went?
I’m not much of a blogger obviously, so I’m going to resist the shame of having two consecutive posts called “7 Quick Takes.” So, pretend that this is something else. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
A.
I have a boarder. My “godson” Alex is staying with me for a few months as he transitions into the next phase of his life. He’s not technically my godson, but I did sponsor him when he joined the Church five years ago. It’s fun having him here and he’s promised to do all the mowing. Deal!
B.
The mail just arrived with an invitation to the priestly ordination of one of my former students from the Univ. of Tulsa Newman Center. Rev. Mr. John Grant will be ordained on June 30th by Bishop Edward Slattery at Tulsa’s Holy Family Cathedral. You should check out his website: frjohngrant.com. His “wishlist” on Amazon.com is also interesting! Just what do you get a newly ordained priest?
This is very exciting and I hope to go. He’s going to be such a blessed asset for our diocese. Unfortunately, it’s also the wedding day in Denver for a very close friend. I’m conflicted.
C.
I recently re-committed to an hour each week at our perpetual adoration chapel. Tuesday morning at 1am. I’m finding it difficult to adjust to this new timeslot. A few years ago, I had a 4am Thursday morning slot, which I found much easier to manage from a sleep perspective.
This week, rather than taking a nap beforehand, I just stayed up for it. It worked out much better and I was more focused and alert.
I like having this commitment and would encourage anyone to give it some consideration.
D.
I’ve signed up for a retreat. I’ve worked many, many retreats for college students, but this is the first personal one for so long that I can’t remember the last one. It’s a two day drive to get there, but I’ve never been one to turn down a roadtrip. Besides, I’m a proponent of having time before and after retreats as transition periods.
E.
I had the best time last Sunday afternoon. For Mother’s Day, another “godson”, if I can still use that term, asked me to take some photos of his wife and kids at Tulsa’s Woodward Park. The kids were great, so darn cute, and I really like spending time with them. I’m definitely not a professional photographer, but I do think some of the shots came out well. I really need to practice more with my camera.
F.
Most of the week’s work was focused on the upcoming Catholic New Media Conference. We announced the speakers for the International Catholic Bloggers’ Summit, which is the theme for the final day of the 3-day conference. It’s going to be great fun and so many good things are happening with it. Another big announcement is coming, so keep an eye out for it.
G.
I rediscovered the blog of another former Newman Center student. Her name is Sarah and she’s got a great sense of humor and a quick wit. If you like perusing other people’s blogs, check out Just a Brown-Eyed Girl.
That’s it! I’ll really try to find something interesting to write about next week. Heaven forbid that I have to resort to politics. We both really don’t want that to happen!
Cease the pulling, then!
“It is impossible to be just to the Catholic Church. The moment men cease to pull against it they feel a tug towards it. The moment they cease to shout it down they begin to listen to it with pleasure. The moment they try to be fair to it they begin to be fond of it. But when that affection has passed a certain point it begins to take on the tragic and menacing grandeur of a great love affair.” – G. K. Chesterton
Walter’s Tale
This is Walter. Say Hi!
Walter is a male cockatiel that belongs to my friends Andrew and Jessica. I don’t remember how old Walter is, but he’s been Andrew’s pet at least 10 years I would guess. He lived in St. Louis until about a year ago.
Last Christmas, Walter was a guest in my house for a week while Andrew and Jessica were away visiting family. We bonded. We shared Wheat Thins.
Five days ago, Walter flew away. I never heard how it happened, but it was taken tragically by those that know him. Walter has never been a free bird and it was doubtful that he would survive or be found. Continue reading
Faith Ablaze!
Easter Fire at Church of St. Mary
Last Saturday night, I had the real privilege of participating in my parish’s Easter Vigil celebration. I’ve been to quite a few vigils over the years, but I will remember this one as particularly special.
Last August, nearly seven months ago, I agreed to sponsor a young man interested in joining the Church. He and his wife, neither having a faith background of any kind, approached my parish with the idea of learning more about the Catholic faith through the RCIA program. Although I’ve been the sponsor for several people in the past, this was the first opportunity I’ve had to be a part of RCIA from beginning to end.
The Easter Vigil has always been my favorite liturgy of the year. The parish gathers, not only in the joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection, but also to joyfully welcome those joining the Church through Baptism or Profession of Faith.
This night was truly special, from the lighting of the Easter fire outside the Church, through the procession into the darkened sanctuary, the spreading of the baptismal light through the congregation, the reading of Scripture foretelling the life, death and resurrection of the Savior, the administration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
My words cannot really share this, it seems. Even though the Church was full, and we had more than 25 people joining the Church, this was one of the most intimate liturgies I’ve experienced in a very long time.
Our pastor, Fr. Jack Gleason, spoke to us passionately about the truth of our faith and made those present, both old and new to the Church, feel as freshly welcomed as those just baptized.
All that the parish did to make this an especially uplifting liturgy worked. The terrific music, the lighting, the bells, the candles, the incense, the robing of the newly baptized … all of it worked in such a way that everyone present should have felt intimately involved.
It was a really special moment and I was privileged to be a part of it. Being a sponsor for RCIA is a lot of work, but the personal learning, the participation in the life of the Church, and being allowed to be a part of someone else’s faith journey makes it all worthwhile.
I hope to do it again some day.
7 Random Questions
A little while ago, a big styrofoam box arrived with some Omaha Steaks inside. A gift from my aunt for Easter.
Tucked away amidst the ubiquitous coupons and special offers where some “dinner conversation starters”, questions to ask your dinner guests. I rarely have dinner guests, so I thought I would post them here.
1. If you were in a tornado and had to take shelter immediately, what would you take with you?
Living in Oklahoma, we’ve all pretty much thought of this question. Here’s what I came up with (assuming all the humans and animals are accounted for):
- Never forget your shoes!
- Keys – especially car keys and safe deposit box keys
- Wallet & credit cards (with contact info for insurance agent)
- Rain jacket
- Cell phone & Charger
- Laptop (with external drives where all my photos have been scanned) & Charger
- Camera & Charger
- Flashlight
- Bottled water
- Battery powered radio
The word immediately in the question probably negates some of this for the unprepared, but living where I do, we shouldn’t be unprepared. If I had a light saber, I’d take that too because it would be cool.
2. What is your favorite amusement park ride? Why?
This is a tough one. I tend to get sick on any rides that spin and I’m not a fan of heights. Makes me a fun date at most amusement parks, I know. I’ll go with log rides. Yeah, that’s the ticket, especially if you get a nice spritz on a hot day.
3. If you could tell your pet anything and have them understand exactly what you meant, what would you tell them?
Thank you.
4. Have you ever stopped at a gas station for directions? How long were you lost before you stopped?
I don’t think you have to be lost to ask for directions. I don’t get truly lost because I tend to plan routes before I go somewhere. I cannot remember the last time I had to stop for directions.
The last time I was lost was probably last May while in Rome. I was walking from the Termini train station to a small B&B in a nondescript building in a part of the city I have never seen before, with only vague directions from Google maps. I managed to find it without too many wrong turns but I had my doubts along the way. I thought it was about 1 1/2 miles, but I think I walked at least 3 before I found it.
5. How many famous dogs can you name?
Trick question! I can name them all. How many do I already know the names of? Bolt, Old Yeller, Lassie, Snoopy, Bandit (Johnny Quest), Lady & Tramp, Marley, Scooby Doo, Eddie, Hachiko, and Buffy (Eskimo Joe’s sidekick – it’s an Oklahoma thing). I ought to know more than this, but I’m drawing a blank now.
6. What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?
Uh, no way. If you don’t already know, I ain’t tellin’
7. What events would you love to see in person some day?
Great question! There are a lot of events in the past that I would love to be able to go back and witness, but I’m going to restrict my answers to events that haven’t occurred yet.
- The beatification or canonization of Servant of God, Fr. Stanley Rother. He would be Oklahoma’s first saint. Probably won’t happen in my lifetime, if ever.
- Opening ceremonies of a summer Olympics.
- An entire 7 game World Series
- An exploding volcano – I’ve seen some erupting volcanos or small rifts but not the big stuff.
- Independence Day in Washington, DC
This question is harder than it looks. Most of the ideas that first came into my head were impossible things, like watching men walk on Mars. There’s no way I would ever be there for that. Or being on the daïs when a new president is sworn in. I suppose that could happen but it’s not very likely. I’ll be pondering this question for the rest of the day. I guess I’m not much of a dreamer.
How would you answer these questions? Feel free to post your answers. I’d love to see them.
Check out the collection of other 7 Quick Takes Friday posts, hosted at Jennifer Fulwiler’s blog, Conversion Diary.
Apropos
“We do not really want a religion that is right where we are right. We want a religion that is right where we are wrong. We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.”
– G. K. Chesterton
Guatemala in the Springtime
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The Call of Atitlan
I’ve heard it said that if you practice a virtue long enough, it becomes a habit; and, if you practice a vice, it becomes an addition. I think this is a bit of both.
This time each year, unbidden, I feel a longing to visit the Lake Atitlan region in the western highlands of Guatemala. There is no doubt in my mind that this is caused by the many trips I took there during my time as campus minister at the St. Philip Neri Newman Center at the University of Tulsa.
Each March for 9 years, I spent a week there with a group of college students. No wonder that I feel the pull to go there even now.
This tweet came across my screen this morning and it got me thinking about Guatemala all over again. I jumped into my iPhoto library and rather willy-nilly started selecting photos for this post.
And I couldn’t stop until I reached nearly 250 shots, some from each of the trips I took with students. (My apologies for attaching them all to this post and for the time it took to load on your screen!)
Unless you went on one of these trips, these photos won’t mean much to you. Not knowing the context or the people in them won’t help either. However, every time I look at them, I am struck over and over at how life changing these experiences were for me and for those I traveled with . This was truly the best thing we did while I was campus minister.
Micatokla
The first six years, I think were the best. We stayed in Santiago Atitlan, at the south end of Lake Atitlan, home of Micatokla (Mision Catholica de Oklahoma), the Oklahoma Catholic Mission that had reopened the parish there at the end of the 1950’s. It had been abandoned for almost 150 years before that.
The dioceses of Oklahoma had strong ties to this mission and it was important for us to build on that connection.
We stayed in the guest rooms of the mission rectory, cooked our own food in the kitchens, prayed in the chapel and church, visited the schools, but most importantly, we assisted in the construction of stone homes in the Canton of Panabaj.
Panabaj is an outlying community south of Santiago Atitlan. The parish owned land there and for several years, various parishes in Oklahoma funded the construction of homes (casa familiares) in that neighborhood. The Newman Center was one of the few groups that actually went there, assisted in the construction of the homes, learned about the mission and the community, and experienced a certain solidarity with the people who would live in those homes.
Luz Alta
Year after year, we would build homes next to, or nearby, the homes of the previous years. We made friends with the families, mostly the kids, and saw them growing up. We were certainly not tourists and the people there didn’t see us that way either.
I enjoyed walking in that neighborhood, playing with the kids, greeting families of previously built homes and watching the interactions the students were having.
We always “sold” the trip to the students as a “house building trip.” Serving the poor through their hard labor over spring break.
If you look at the photos, you’ll see many with the students up to their waists in trenches, pushing wheelbarrow, or hauling dirt and rocks.
And then, a few days into the trip, you would see the relationships take hold and the realization would dawn on the student that these trips were much more than just “house building trips.” It was about learning, sharing, putting their own lives in context, and dealing with the idea that they were taking away more from the experience than they were giving.
I find it hard sometimes to keep my emotions in check when I think about these experiences and the wonderful students that went on them. I think they were changed as much as I was.
Luz Differentes
The trip in 2006 was a major turning point in our program. In October of 2005, a hurricane crossed Central America, causing terrible flooding in many parts.
Santiago Atitlan, and especially Panabaj, experienced terrible mudslides. The areas, a tenth of a mile in any direction, around the neighborhood of our homes was devastated. More than 750 people died in one night.
Our little neighborhood, now with about 30 houses, was miraculously spared any significant damage though I think a few of the inhabitants were killed or injured.
When we returned to Panabaj the following March, much had changed. The visibile reminders of the mudslide were everywhere. The neighborhood school, just up the road was battered and covered with 5 feet of dirt, rock and debris.
Our little neighborhood and all the homes that we had built was mostly abandoned, inhabited by squatters who snuck in after the government closed it. It was deemed a high risk area of future mudslides and not suited for habitation. It was a ghost town.
It was heart wrenching to go there, especially for any of us who had been there before and seen the life of that community. Many of us cried when we visited the refugee camp where our friends had been forced to move and see the struggles they were once again facing without homes of their own.
From that point on, we started building homes closer to Santiago Atitlan, and eventually moved our location to the mission of San Lucas Toliman (operated by the Diocese of New Ulm in Minnesota) about 20 miles up the lake road.
Mision de San Lucas Toliman
San Lucas is a much bigger operation than the Oklahoma Mission (which had been returned to the local diocese a few years earlier). The experience for the students visiting this mission was still very good, but much different.
The students still worked on mission projects, visited its clinic, toured its coffee collective, forestry project, etc., but never really recaptured the same sense of camaraderie that we had with the people of Panabaj.
The mission in San Lucas is terrific and gave us new opportunities to share the life of the community, but I missed Santiago.
Perhaps fittingly, my last trip with students was during Holy Week of 2008. We helped the parish prepare for Good Friday and Easter by mixing colored sawdust for their street decoration, and preparing flowers for the church. We were very fortunate to take part in the town wide processions on Good Friday and the Living Passion liturgy in the church.
I guess if my time taking students to Guatemala had to end, that was a good time to do it. As memorable a trip as any of them had been.
Four years have now passed since the last time I traveled there with students, and my thoughts still turn there every spring. I hope I never forget all that we experienced. The joy of the people, working side-by-side with them, making friends with the children, the amazing beauty of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. I also want to remember the occasional food poisoning, amoebas, cold showers, harrowing highway journeys, tuk tuk rides, threats of bandits, long dusty hikes and the culture shock of returning home.
Some day I hope I can return there with another group of people, former students of one of the trips perhaps. My pastor, Fr. Jack recently told me that I have “a heart for missions.”
I think he’s right. I’m ready to go again.
Obsolete Skills
My brother Kevin and his wife Maureen were in town last weekend for my birthday. We had a great time.
Whenever we get together, it seems like there are always occasions when I am reminded of the vast amount of trivia that seems to be stuck in my head. I don’t know why I remember so many seemingly useless things, but I do.
For example, we bought some bananas at the local super market. Unfortunately, the ones for sale were all very green. Into my head popped the method I learned from somewhere about quickly ripening bananas by sealing them in a paper bag. I haven’t the faintest idea where I learned this trick, but it was in my head. And it works!
Then it occurred to me that over the years, I’ve learned some pretty specific skills, many that are pretty obsolete and not likely to be used much in the future. I don’t know how I should feel about this. Archaic? Well-educated? Road-weary?
Anyway, here are a few of my well-honed skills that have entered the realm of obsolescence, at least in the context of my life. I dare say this is not an exhaustive list.
Rotary Phone Dialing
I grew up with telephones just like the one. I image someone who’s never used one like this might have to pause for a moment the first time. There’s a certain panache needed to dial a number and not look like a total doofus.
Did you use one of these? Do you remember how to call for help before 911 service was started? How to tell your loved ones that you reached your destination without actually paying for a long distance call? What the sound of an actually ringing phone is?
Church Keys & Pull Ring Cans
I betcha that there are kids in America today, that have one of these in a kitchen drawer and don’t have the faintest idea for what it is used:
This is what my dad would call a “church key”, although I’m sure that anything that is made to open one of these could also be called that:
Although pull ring cans were pretty common when I was a boy, there were still plenty of cans around that used church keys. Motor oil cans come to mind as one example.
I think these are really pretty efficient and don’t cause all that unsightly littering that other pull top and pop top cans caused.
One of my first physics lessons came from using cans like these. Two holes on opposite sides of the can, of course, made drinking and pouring so much easier!
Drive-in Movie Projectionist
My first real paying job came during high school. Yes, my social security records will show that I began my work life as a movie theater nerd. Ever see Fast Times at Ridgemont High? Yep, I was just like the repressed teenaged geek in that film. I worked at all three of the movie theaters in Hobbs, New Mexico, including the Flamingo Drive-in.
I felt pretty lucky when I graduated from ticket seller and concessionist to running the awesome projectors at the Flamingo. That baby, similar to the one above, used carbon arc welding rods to produce the light. It was like watching a small nuclear reaction. That was great fun and, boy, did I learn a lot at the drive-in! Here’s a Youtube video that does a pretty good job illustrating what I used to do:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iScIfqfCGk]
Oilfield Roustabout
During my undergraduate college years, I spent my summer working as an oilfield roustabout. Not to be confused with a roughneck. Roustabouts do repair work on oilfield production equipment, such as pumpjacks, tank batteries, heater-treaters, separators, etc. Roughnecks are the workers who work on oil drilling equipment – much harder and more dangerous work.
I learned quite a bit about the various types of oilfield equipment. Not much call to use it now, but I still know my way around an oilfield. I do still use some of the skills I learned with the various types of tools we used – mostly different kinds of wrenches. Pretty handy fixing that old kitchen sink.
That summer I spent changing mufflers on a fleet of pickup trucks? Yeah, not so handy now.
Other Stuff
There are loads of other things I could write about, but here what comes to mind:
- how to write a computer program using punch cards
- how to fix typewriter ribbons
- how to clean a four-barrel carburetor
- that awkward bamboo dance I learned in elementary school gym class
- MS DOS commands / BASIC
- the chemical formulas for ferrous and ferric oxides
- how to bake an apple in a campfire
Cool, huh? I think I’m tending toward the archaic. Time to learn some new things.
What skill do you have that are mostly useless these days?
I have a plan …
I know I run the risk of seeming prideful or otherwise lacking in humility, but this post is mostly for me, as we begin Lent.
I think I have a healthy appreciation for the opportunities the season of Lent offers us, but lately I haven’t really embraced those opportunities. Last year was particularly frustrating. I didn’t have any clear ideas of what I wanted to do. I vacillated so much that the season ended up being wasted.
So, to give myself some more concrete motivation, I’m going to post “my plan” for the world to see, or at least the 10 people who might actually read this. You get to keep me honest.
Spiritual / Emotional
- Eucharistic Adoration – I’ve been a slacker at having and adhering to scheduled time for Adoration. A couple of years ago, I had a 4am time slot at the St. John Hospital’s perpetual adoration chapel. I let it go when my job situation changed but never took a new time. I’m going to try a few different times during Lent and hopefully find one that I can embrace going forward. My goal is one hour per week of Lent. Incidentally, I highly recommend those hours in the middle of the night.
- Edifying Reading – I’ve been an avid reader since I was in elementary school. Unfortunately, like many people, I’ve let TV and the Internet encroach on that habit too much. Working from home has only made it worse as a constant temptation. In addition to some pleasure reading that I have right now, I have the goal to make it through the following books during Lent:
- The Holy Longing – by Ronald Rolheiser. This is one of those books that I’ve started to read a couple of time, but never made it all the way through. My friend John White has invited me to join an email reading group that is making its way through it. I’m two chapters behind, so I have some catching up to do.
- Walking with God – by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins. I picked this book up in 2010 when it first came out. It’s been gathering dust, so it’s high time I cracked it open.
- Understanding Exposure – by Bryan Peterson. As an avid amateur photographer, this book was recommended to me as the “bible” for understanding how to shoot great photos. With spring approaching, I’m hoping to have some time to experiment with some outdoor shooting in the coming months.
Three books seems ambitious to me, but I thought I would set a high mark. I’ll keep you posted.
- Write Easter letters to my CFCA sponsored children in Guatemala. I always forget to do this in time for them to reach them before Easter. With it on the list, I should get it done.
- Daily Lenten Reflection – I haven’t decided how I’ll approach this yet, but it will either be via the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily Mass readings, or some other guide that I find. Suggestions?
Physical / Emotional
- Gym – I’d be the first one to admit that I need more exercise. The winter is always tough on me when it comes being active, but I really have let it go on too long. I signed up for a membership at the neighborhood YMCA and I anticipate using the pool there. My goal is exercising at the Y or the neighboring LaFortune Park three times a week, minimum. Gulp.
- TV – As I mentioned above, TV has become too much of a distraction for me, so I’m going to limit myself to 1 hr a day. This doesn’t include catching the evening news when needed. I’m deleting some of the recording schedules from my DVR to reduce the temptation to gorge on TV on Sundays (not included in the days of Lent).
- Facebook/WWF – Another temptation I face daily. It’s pretty much useless time and my recent introduction to Words With Friends has only made it worse. Away from me! I do have to get on FB occasionally for work purposes, so I will attempt to keep that to a minimum.
- 20 Bags – Spring cleaning is here and I have a goal to reduce the clutter in my home by 20 bags, boxes, or other donations to Catholic Charities and Goodwill. If I don’t write it here, it won’t happen.
- Reduce Caffeine – I go through these periods of overindulging in caffeinated beverages – usually too much coffee in the morning, followed by a never-ending glass of iced tea throughout the day. I do well in avoiding soft drinks, but I can do better. I can’t put a goal on this one, because caffeine can be a bit hard to avoid sometimes.
Add a little fruit to my diet, and that’s the list. What do you think? If you know me, is this doable?
To me, this list is more of a spiritual exercise than it might seem to the casual visitor. Reducing meaningless distractions like Facebook and TV, and concentrating more on reading, prayer, and the work I need to do, will definitely help me focus on things better and to think through the decisions that I have to make this year.
What’s your plan? Care to share? Care to go on record for the world to see?
Soup
I have to ask … which soup would you choose and why?
Yesterday, I went to my cupboard to get some soup for lunch. I found three cans of chicken soup. One “hearty chicken pot pie style” soup, and two that are basically “chicken with wild rice” soup (slightly different, but basically the same).
Most people probably have no problem just picking the soup that appeals to them the most. No worries.
I really wanted the chicken pot pie style soup, but I have to admit that I paused to consider that I had TWO chicken and rice soups and I ought to have one of those instead. Just to even up the numbers.
Do you ever have urges like this, or am I just being esteban about it?
I fought the compulsion and had chicken pot pie style soup. It was yummy. A solid 1 napkin experience.
So, it really isn’t magic.
I love riding bikes. It’s true.
Having my own bike gave me the first true taste of independence as a child.
Countless miles have passed below my feet over the years, mostly as a kid, but continued up through my high school and college years.
If you’ve followed this blog in the past, you may have read this particular entry, where I describe the joy of discovering how to ride a bike (without training wheels, that is) on Christmas Day:
“We had this old bike from the ’50s with large balloon tires on it. It had been re-painted and passed down through all the kids. Kevin (my brother) would launch me down the sidewalk on this thing and I would invariably crash into a neighbor’s car, or my mom’s rose bushes. Neither was the preferred outcome.
But on this glorious Christmas Day, when it was about 70 degrees outside, I took my new Sting-Ray out to the street, kicked up the kickstand, climbed aboard, and gave the pedal a mighty push. I was off down the street like I had known how to ride all my life.
I rode up and down the street a few times, more than a little excited. I managed to get back to the house, ran inside and made my dad come out and watch, proof that I had finally managed the intricacies of bike riding.”
The truth is, I don’t know how to ride a bike. I just do. One day, I couldn’t keep my balance and would crash into things, and the next day, I could.
It’s always bothered me that I don’t understand the physics of bicycles. The analytical part of my brain has tried to find an obvious answer for how bikes work and how riders keep their balances. I haven’t found it, and apparently for good reason.
I ran across this article, “How Bikes Keep the Rubber on the Road“, and discovered that truly learned scientists don’t fully understand how bicycles work either. A team in The Netherlands has studied the factors that help keep a moving bike upright and have learned a few things:
“A conventional bicycle is remarkably stable when moving. Even without a rider, it can coast for long distances and catch itself from falling.” […]
“Bicycles, the team suggests, are more complicated than previously thought. While gyro and trail effects can contribute to stability, other factors such as the distribution of mass and the bike’s moment of inertia can play a role as well.”
I knew it! I knew there was more to bikes than can be casually observed. These scientists hope that their experiments will lead to new and improved bicycle designs that will augment these natural factors. It will be fun to see what they come up with.
OK, so we really don’t know why bikes work, but I guess I can retire my earlier fall-back hypothesis in lieu of these new scientific findings:
“It’s magic!”