to slow down and care
AMDG I, a pilgrim at rest, seeking our Lord ahead and finding him here, to you, my brethren. I wrote most of this piece in November but only now, after Christmas, have been able to reference the texts which gave my experience so much solemnity. I have by now finished my orientation and formation program, been sent and blessed, and wait busily for the day I fly to Brazil. Yet for this story, we look back. Most Fridays during the 8 week orientation program, the missioner candidates dispersed to do ministry in various shelters around the city. I listed as my top choice a “Peace Center” affiliated with a homeless shelter. It sounded on paper like a place of spiritual respite where I could have 1:1 conversations and maybe get involved in activities like scripture study or meditation. Better than kitchen work, to be sure! But on our first day, when another candidate and I arrived, we were first given a 5 minute overview of the shelter – which did not include the Peace Center! – and ...