The Other Brother

 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 ...

 AMDG I, a green new candidate for a literal kind of discipleship, writing with bags packed and sandals on my feet, to you, disciples in every stage and place of life.             During my long retreat I reflected on the holy family’s flight into Egypt. I was impressed by the way they picked up and left everything behind. Joseph, a carpenter, surely had a workshop, tools, and materials which he had accumulated over a lifetime and used for his livelihood. But at God’s instruction he packed up what he could carry and left. He had such freedom! Reflecting on my own preparations to join a mission organization, I feel that I have some of this freedom, and yet my situation is different. I have had a long time to prepare.             My preparations have involved all kinds of administrative and logistical tasks. I have gotten vaccines and blood tests, completed paperwork, w...