“Rend your hearts, not your garments” (Joel 2:13)

“Rend your hearts, not your garments” (Joel 2:13)

 

These words from the prophet Joel of the Old Testament are part of the first reading from the Mass for Ash Wednesday.  The words of the prophet introduce us all to the Lenten journey of conversion by challenging us to accept the invitation to a real conversion of the heart.  We can only be changed from within, when our attitude shifts from self-focus to focus on God and our neighbor.  Our group participated in the parish Mass yesterday evening in a packed church.  Some of the young women of our group had gone to the store sponsored by the women’s cooperative of the San Lucas Mission to buy traditional Guatemalan clothing and were excited to wear them that night for Mass.  This excitement did not come from a need to stand out with style, but, rather, from a sense of being a part of the local family who has welcomed us with such joy and hospitality.  This simple action on the part of our students is a concrete expression of the Lenten conversion that has been taking place in all of us this week.  As we reflect each night on our experiences, it is so beautiful to see the true transformation of hearts that has been taking place over the last 5 days. Our eyes, our ears and, most of all, our hearts have been opened to a genuine experience of Solidarity—we have been treated by our Guatemalan hosts as brothers and sisters, as neighbors and friends.

 

Our group will be working on the re-forestation project this morning and, later in the day, will have the experience of buying food in the market for a local family.  Yesterday and the day before, we assisted in the construction of stoves.  The builders were very patient and encouraging, giving us a share in the tasks such as laying bricks, mixing cement and laying cement. 

 

I have been “put to work” as well by the local pastor celebrating Mass in the parish church and in one of the mission churches.  Our seminarian, Jerry Stumpff, came with me to the mission church of San Andres yesterday afternoon to assist with Mass.  I am sure he will have several stories to tell of the very rich experience of faith that we encountered there.

 

Patrice and Katelyn continue to show their capacity to lead as they have done all year in preparing for this trip.  Raven, Beth and Rachel have proven themselves quite adept at laying cement with competence and precision.  Char and Heather have been giving us their wisdom every evening with great insights laced with terrific humor.  Becky, my faculty colleague, has been the anchor of the group and is glad to be back in San Lucas after 5 years.

 

Still more work to do today.  Lent has now begun.  Pongàmonos en camino!

Fr. Michael Kesicki