The Grapes of Reflection 2016

I started 2016 with a blank slate as usual, ready to be filled, but simultaneously anticipating some big events.  I come to the conclusion of this year thinking back upon those big events, and some other wonderful things that happened.

As I enjoy doing, I reflect on this year of 2016 using the Hispanic custom of consuming 12 grapes, as a guide.

Grape #1, my MLIS graduation: It was definitely a major accomplishment to graduate with my MLIS degree on May 8, which was furthermore an opportunity for me to celebrate my vocational path, in a wonderful gathering of family and friends.

Grape #2, my practicum at Argonne: While in my final semester of studies for my MLIS, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to complete a practicum at Argonne National Laboratory's Research Library, among some great colleagues.

Grape #3, two 25-year anniversaries:  It was awesome to mark the milestone of being alive for a quarter century on my birthday on March 16 of this year.  It was a memorable occasion, which I shared with many, and it gave me the opportunity to ponder my life and all that has filled it.  Then, a little more than a month later, on April 28, I marked 25 years since my baptism, which gave me opportunity to reflect on my life of faith.  I returned to St. Cornelius to mark that occasion.

Grape #4, my trip to Philadelphia: It was definitely a dream come true when I finally had the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia this past summer.  One of the most exhilarating moments of my life was at approximately 6 PM EDT, when I set foot inside Independence Hall, on a tour.  And it was fantastic seeing many other historical sites, as well as participating in the 2016 Special Libraries Association conference--which included helping out at the registration desk--and catching up with good two friends in Philadelphia.  It seemed at this time in my life to go on this trip as a sort of reward to myself.  It was the first time I had traveled outside the Midwest in 2 1/2 years.  It was also my first train train trip in over 2 1/2 years, and provided me my first opportunity to travel on the high-speed Northeast Corridor, on a stretch from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, at times running a speed of 125 mph, faster than I've ever traveled on land before in my life.

Grape #5, my trip to Colorado: It was great to finally have the opportunity to travel to Colorado again and visit with my family there, and it was my first time west of the Mississippi River in over 3 years.  I was delighted to join in the grand celebration of my Aunt Carmen's birthday, in the style befitting my family there, who all like to party heartily.  And it was another opportunity to travel by train, in the same summer, this time riding the Amtrak California Zephyr route, taking me back to when I traveled on it as a boy on a family vacation almost two decades ago.

Grape #6, serving as an election judge for the presidential general election on November 8: It was an extraordinary experience to engage in the work of facilitating the experience for voters, an important part of the democratic process of the Republic, ranking among the top experience that make me feel proud to be a US citizen.

Grape #7, Pope Francis's activities: It was so exciting to follow Pope Francis's trip in Mexico, connecting so strongly with my sense of being Roman Catholic.  And it was a spiritually rich and meaningful experience to ponder mercy more thoughtfully during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, with personal reflections, which I continue, as well as a tour of artwork associated with the Spiritual Works of Mercy at the Chicago Art Institute.

Grape #8, milestones: I had the chance to celebrate many special milestones throughout the course of the year, like my Great Aunt June's 90th birthday, the Bicentennial of Indiana, St. Cornelius Parish's 90th Anniversary, my cousin Jessica's graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mom's MSN graduation, and the Centennial of the National Park Service, which motivated me to get all the way through the Ken Burns documentary The National Parks: America's Best Idea.  These celebrations all gave me opportunity to think about the meaningful place these all have in my life.

Grape #9, outreach events at the Oak Park Public Library: I had the chance to engage in a number of these outreach events, as a way to engage with the community beyond my usual work, including an after-hours event and events with the book bike that brought some memorable times.

Grape #10, my brother's wedding: It was wonderful to welcome Naomi to our family and upon her and my brother Naomi getting married during the summer.  After growing up without a sister, I was especially pleased to finally have a sister-in-law.

Grape #11, my first intercontinental conversation:  My friend Roy spent a month in Spain doing missionary work this summer.  While he was there, he and I arranged a time to chat with each other via Google Hangouts, doing so around 10-11 AM CDT on Saturday, July 16.

Grape #12, my continued involvement in Religious Education: I mention my role in RE often, as it is such a meaningful experience that touches something deep down inside of who I am, even as I'm helping forge the faith of the next generation.  I've had the privilege of teaching two wonderful groups of students, first as 7th graders in the 2015-16 RE year, and then continue with them as 8th graders in the 2016-17 year, along with some additional students, witnessing their Confirmation, back in October, and continuing to support them post-Confirmation in understanding what faith means.  And I have been present to the youth of Ascension in other ways as the parish gets a youth ministry up and running in earnest.  One very notable experience was being at the Holy Fire gathering, the first time the Archdiocese of Chicago held such a gathering for middle schoolers.  What a time it was engaging the faith of young people, and fittingly fell on the 11-year anniversary of my own Confirmation.  The 2015-16 RE year ended two days before the 25-year anniversary of my baptism, so I had plenty to think about regarding what I've done with my baptism and the gift of faith I received that day.

As I mentioned when reflecting on my birthday when I turned 25, my involvement in RE combines so many significant life experiences of mine, making it an especially extraordinary experience.  It takes me back to my middle school years that forged my identity in an especially strong way.  The year that I most strongly associate with that forging of my identity was 2005, which I count among the most important years of my life.

I notice that 2016 resembles 2005 in many respects, in that both years were defined by some extraordinary events in my life--not to mention that from March 1 through December 31, the days in the calendars of both years lined up on the same day of the week.  What's more, 2016 connected with so many aspects of 2005 that made it so memorable, especially related to my experiences at middle school, and growing in faith, and experiences I had in 2016 allowed me to engage with those aspects in a profound way.  As such, I stand at the end of this year, already counting 2016 among the most important years of my life.

I had plenty of opportunities to visit Julian during this year, one of which was a final visit with my 8th grade math teacher Mrs. Rogers before her retirement.  The connection I have with Julian remains very personal because many of my RE students attend Julian.  I've also connected with Brooks more by attending BRAVO plays there, and the students in those productions do a fabulous job in creating an enjoyable experience for me.

Engaging with a new generation is such an encouragement to me, especially in some of the more sorrowful experiences this year, like saying goodbye to Buddy, our family's dog, who got very ill.  I am glad that we had the happiness of marking the 10-year anniversary of the day we welcomed him to our family in March, right around the time of my birthday.

St. Teresa's bid farewell to Father Kevin over the summer.  I was glad to be there for that celebration, which was a chance to reconnect with the community there.  I had other opportunities to reengage with my Valparaiso connections throughout the year.

I spent time engaging with things around home, too:  I was also present for the swearing-in of Oak Park's new police chief, Anthony Ambrose.

I took advantage of free days at Chicago museums, to see the Terrcotta Warriors exhibit--kind of like China coming to me--and the IMAX film National Parks Adventure.  I also spent some time at the Art Institute, growing fond of Grant Wood's works, and reflecting on the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

I think of other enjoyable experiences out and about in the Chicagoland area, especially on bike rides.  I went on one very long one on Labor Day, all the way to Ridgeland and 104th Street.  I also found myself constantly going to Riverside, confirming it as my new favorite biking spot, along its winding, curvy streets, and fine homes.

Yes, 2016 had the major events, but plenty of other smaller, but nonetheless delightful, happenings.  And as an added bonus, there was a Leap Day to give extra time to savor it.

And so now I bid farewell to 2016, rejoicing in the amazing things that have taken place in my life, like the Psalmist says, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy" (Psalm 126:3 NIV).

Indeed, as we head into 2017 and beyond, 2016 will stand out specially among all the years of my life.

2016 News and Events in Review

We started this year fully aware of two major events in the big stage, which certainly drove much of the news coverage.  (Please note: I'm re-titling my annual blog post reviewing the events of the closing calendar year to address both news that made big headlines, as well as other events that didn't necessarily grab headlines in major ways.)

The 2016 Summer Olympics, and then Paralympics, were held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, which bested out three other competitors as host cities seven years ago, one of which was Chicago.  The US female gymnasts certainly caused a stir, like they have in the past, which were among the highlights.  (This coming year of 2017 will see the selection of the 2024 city--and if it's Los Angeles, I am making a point to go there to attend the Opening Ceremony.)

Politically, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff was impeached.

There was also a change in leadership in Britain, when voters there approved their country's exit from the European Union in a referendum during the summer.  Prime Minister David Cameron resigned, making way for Theresa May to take the office, only the 2nd women ever to do so.

Zooming in from the world stage, one of the biggest stories in the United States was the 2016 presidential campaign and elections.  A crowded field of Republican candidates narrowed down to Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, with Hilary Clinton taking the Democratic nomination over Bernie Sanders.  It was notable how a Chicago Tribune editorial indicated that the candidates running for the respective nominations showed how the electorate was making each party fight for its soul.  Another Chicago Tribune editorial highlighted the unfavorable nature of both major party candidates by endorsing Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, for president.

Donald Trump pulled off a win over Hillary Clinton in a real stunner.  I can still remember that "jaw-dropping" feeling the morning after the general election, and then chuckling at the idea that this was actually happening.  This was the culmination of a rather nasty campaign, which I felt was summarized well by a PBS news commentator remarking on one of the presidential debates, saying what he saw that evening "was not elevating".

There continued to be chaos in various cities over racially-charged police shootings of unarmed minority citizens.  It made the selection of Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a timely pick for the One Book, One Oak Park summer read at the Oak Park Public Library.

Chief Rick Tanskley of the Oak Park Police retired after nearly 30 years, and was succeeded by Tony Ambrose as Chief.

Notable individuals who passed away from us this year included actress Carrie Fischer, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro, and Ascension Parish Deacon Joseph Walsh.

Antonin Scalia passed away in February, leaving a vacancy on the Supreme Court.  President Obama nominated Merrick Garland as a replacement, and Republicans in the Senate refused to consider him.

The Supreme Court made major rulings on abortion and immigration.  And debate reached a fever-pitch on the rights of transgender individuals after North Carolina passed a law keeping washroom and locker room facilities strictly separated by objective biological sex, which unleashed strong backlash, especially from the corporate world.

The company that produces Epipen got into controversy over the exorbitant price of the epipen.

In other business news, Trader Joe's pulled off a pretty good April Fool's joke by announcing it was going out of business--a joke that fooled me.

In the local political scene, Anan Abu-Taleb requested a change in his title from President of the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees to Oak Park Mayor, which was approved by the Board of Trustees.  He claimed that the term "mayor" better communicates what the position is about, but I feel it's unnecessary to change titles around to make more sense to outsiders--sticking with our own terminology is okay.  Mr. Abu-Taleb also proposed making the mayor position salaried.

The Oak Park Public Library acquired District 97's Multicultural Collection, which had to move out of its space at Julian Middle School to allow for my instructional space to meet the sharp increase in enrollment there.  The collection is now housed at the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, with a grand opening ceremony set for later in January.

Ernest Hemingway scholars from throughout the world came to Dominican University for a biennial conference on Papa.

The budget problems continued in the state of Illinois, with a stop-gap measure put in place at the end of June to make funds available for some services.

While Oak Park leaned decidedly for Hillary Clinton on November 8, the referendum on the OPRFHS's pools and facilities plan was a real toss-up, igniting passions on both sides.  It culminated in the measure being defeated by a 28-vote margin.

Flint, MI, had a major crisis with tainted water supplies.

The major weather and natural event stories of 2016 included Hurricane Matthew, a major winter snow storm in the Eastern United States in January, and earthquakes in Japan, Ecuador, and New Zealand.  There was one particularly bitterly cold spell in mid-January, which didn't deter my Dad and I from joining hundreds of others at the 2016 March of Life Chicago.  We had some fairly hot days later on in the summer in Chicagoland, including two very hot and humid days back-to-back toward the end of July, with powerful storms both those evenings.  One storm damaged a walkway at the Illinois Medical District CTA Blue Line station.

The National Weather Service changed the format of its public weather products so they are now in lower- and upper-case type, instead of all capital letters, evoking an earlier era of teletype.  That was an interesting kind of change to make.

Chicago's Archbishop Blase Cupich was designated a cardinal by Pope Francis at a consistory in November, along with a number of others from throughout the world, including Bangui, Central African Republic.

Among the locations Pope Francis traveled included Mexico and Sweden.

One of the most exciting sports events was the Cubs baseball team winning the World Series after a 108-year championship drought, in a real nail-biter of a series that came down to the wire and a God-send rain delay in Cleveland.

Major milestones achieved this year included Queen Elizabeth II turning 90, Pope Francis turning 80, 75 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service Centennial, Indiana's Bicentennial, and St. Cornelius Parish in Chicago marking its 90th Anniversary.

A Gift with Much to Offer

It was 80 years ago on December 17, 1936, that God gave a great gift to Mario Jose Bergoglio and Regina Maria Sivori, Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a gift in a son born to them, whom they named Jorge.

On March 13, 2013, God gifted the Roman Catholic Church with a leader who took the name Pope Francis.

As we celebrate his 80th birthday, I indeed think about how much of a gift Pope Francis is to the Roman Catholic Church and the world.  He offers some valuable perspectives on how to live out the Gospel message of salvation, in tangible actions that meet the real needs, just as Christ met needs while proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

He has an amazing touch in reaching out to people, like having breakfast with homeless people this morning to celebrate his birthday.  I also keep thinking back to the ABC 20/20 TV program when he held town hall meetings with audiences in three US cities before his visit to East Coast cities, and the loving touch he offered to people in difficult situations.

He certainly set the tone for his papacy right away when he came out on the balcony at St. Peter's dressed simply, and asked for the prayers of the people, just as he did throughout the remarks he offered while visiting the United States in September 2015.

In many ways, while not widely recognized in all the media hype, his people-driven philosophy connects so well with upholding church teachings on the sanctity of life and the dignity of all people.

Certainly people think of him as some kind of supercelebrity who's so amazing.  I think of him as someone who has a lot to offer, just like all Popes, and other leaders, do.  I enjoy reading his quotes on various spiritual subjects, because they are filled with rich insight and wisdom.

I look forward to hearing more of that wisdom as he grows in age and God's grace day by day.

Happy Birthday to you Pope Francis, Your Holiness.  And as you have requested, you remain in my prayers.

A Matter of Much Debating

Something momentous in the democratic process of the United States Republic happened 225 years ago, today, on December 15, 1791, when Virginia ratified 10 out of 12 proposed Constitutional amendments, thereby making them officially part of the United States Constitution.

They contain some important rights including freedom of the press, freedom of religion, the right to a trial by jury, and prohibition of unusual and cruel punishment, among others.

I feel that the Bill of Rights, in many ways, represents how spirited debate is a hallmark in the democratic process of our country, borne out of similar involved discussions about the content of the Constitution, and then its ratification process, with some states refusing to ratify unless the new Congress proposed amendments with important rights.  Yet some felt the Constitution as it was written already protected rights.  Others thought there would be no good determination for what right to include--like should the right to turn over in bed be included?  And others felt it was dangerous to list rights explicitly, because then the government could deny rights not included, which undoubtedly led to the inclusion of the 9th and 10th Amendments.

Nevertheless, the 10 amendments of the Bill of Rights became enshrined in the US Constitution, and they continue to spur debate to this day, especially given how much interpretation is involved when using them to decide current issues, like when the Supreme Court makes rulings.

Interpretation led the Supreme Court to imply a right to abortion in the right to privacy stated in the 4th Amendment in its Roe vs. Wade ruling.

Another Supreme Court ruling gave the name "Miranda" to the rights of the 5th Amendment when police didn't notify Ernesto Miranda of those right when he was accused of committing a crime.

As for the 1st Amendment rights, there have been many cases in recent years that have definitely pushed the envelope as far as what they mean, and what they can protect, sometimes even extreme examples like the Westboro Baptist Church, speech made by political action committees, and desecration of the US flag.

I was challenged to ponder these kinds of cases at the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum that was formerly at the Chicago Tribune Tower.  It was a wonderful museum that had a variety of exhibits discussing the implications of the 1st Amendment rights.  It's now housed in a mobile format that travels around to various events.

Debate over intense issues rages especially so regarding gun rights.  When I was in middle school, I recall my 8th grade social studies teacher drawing our attention to the wording of the 2nd amendment as being part of the debate.  This came to mind in a conversation I was having at dinner a few weeks ago, when, while talking with a woman from Britain, we turned to politics, which included gun rights.  I opened up my pocket copy of the US Constitution and showed her the actual wording of 2nd amendment, and explained that there's debate over whether the right to bear arms applies in general to owning guns, or is more specifically tied to having proper weaponry for a militia comprised of regular citizens.

I was once at a book discussion at Maze Library about Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis.  The librarian leading the discussion pointed out that there's so much heated debate over Constitutional issues today, just like there was back at the start of the United States Republic.  They debated and discussed, and somehow managed to eek out a compromise, which lends the Constitution to being something that will continued to be debated.

So as we mark 225 years of the Bill of Rights, let's continue in these important discussions, as part of engaging the democratic process of our Republic to create a more free society, with justice and liberty for all.

A Hoosier-Style Bicentennial Salute

Well, the day has arrived, December 11, 2016, marking 200 years since that inestimable day in 1816 when Indiana became the 19th US State.

To celebrate, I think it would be appropriate to start knocking:

Knock, knock.

"Hoosier?"

So goes a story about the origin of Indiana's nickname, the Hoosier State (# 168).  Back in the days of the pioneers, people knocking on the doors of Indiana residents would hear, "Hoosier?" (Who's there?) from inside.

The Great Seal of the State of Indiana depicts a scene from pioneer days (#169): A woodsman using an ax, a bison, sycamore trees, and the sun lodged partly behind some hills.  The hardy woodsman also lends another theory to the origin of “Hoosier” as a term used by southerners for woodsmen or rough hill people, according to a historical article on the official Indiana website.

The origin of the name Indiana comes from land of the Indians (#170).  These aboriginal peoples include the moundbuilding Mississippians, who come around 1000 (#171).  Angel Mounds State Historic Site (#172) near Evansville preserves one such mounds site.  Later in history, Algonquin peoples (#173) inhabited present-day Indiana, including the Potawwatomi (#174), Kickapoo (#175), Miami (#176), Delaware (#177), and Shawnee (#178).  I read about these peoples in a book about Indiana by Darlene R. Stille in the "America the Beautiful" series that I checked out at the the library in anticipation of this day.  And you can read more about the origin of Indiana in this article.

Indiana’s blue and gold-colored state flag (#179) has a torch representing liberty and enlightenment (#180), with rays to show its influence reaching far.  There are 13 stars in a circle to represent the original 13 colonies.  There are another 5 in a half-circle, and a larger star above the torch’s flame to represent Indiana as the 19^th State of the United States (#181).  (You can read more about the flag in this article.)

Indiana has many other state symbols.

The state beverage, interestingly enough, is water (#182).

The state bird is the Northern Cardinal (#183), which Indiana shares with a number of other states.

The state flower is the peony (#184), one of my favorite flowers, which I always look forward to seeing bloom in late May/early June.

The state pie is sugar cream pie (#185).

The state river is the Wabash River (#186), which makes it fitting enough that the state song is "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" (#187).  (The same article on the origins of Hoosier says that the term came from rivermen who were so good at “hushing” their opponents in brawls.)  Also of note for Illinoisans, farmers from the area near the Wabash would travel north to sell their good in markets in Chicago, which is the origin of the name Wabash Street.

The point of the Wabash River’s confluence with the Ohio River in the extreme southwest corner of the state is the lowest point of elevation in Indiana, at 320 feet above sea level (#188).

The highest point of elevation is Hoosier Hill (#189), at 1,257 feet above sea level, in Franklin Township, in Wayne County, about a mile west of the border with Ohio.

The highest honor given by the state of Indiana is the Sagamore of the Wabash (#190).  Sagamore is a term that a chief would bestow on someone from whom he would seek counsel, according to the Indiana page on the State Symbols website, where you can read more about all these symbols.

Indiana also has a state poem, "Indiana" (#191), by Arthur Franklin Mapes (#192) of Kendalville, who was named the unofficially Indiana State Poet Laureate in 1977 through Indiana legislative action, House Concurrent Resolution 63.

Indiana's official state languages are English and sign language (#193).

The state tree is the tulip poplar (#194).

The state stone is Salem Limestone (#195).

Indiana even has an unofficial Indiana tartan (#196).

Reflecting on Indiana, my thoughts naturally turn to the experience of my four college years at Valparaiso University, a time when I got to know life in the northwest part of the state, which figures heavily into my 200 list.  And it’s fitting that the 200^th blog post to celebrating the bicentennial of Indiana, bringing it full circle, since my graduation from Valparaiso University inspired the launch of this blog.

I think Indiana on the whole is defined by the wide open fields (#197) that cover the state, much like my home state of Illinois.  There aren't necessarily any huge cities like New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago, but its people (#198) have much to offer.  They're a good bunch, who work well, and make a good place for living in the “State that Works” (#199).  It has been a true pleasure developing a number of wonderful friendships with them over the past seven years (#200).  And as an Illinoisan, they certainly make for fine neighbors.

With that, I wrap up my yearlong 200 Things about Indiana List in tribute to this special occasion.  Of course, I have to acknowledge that Indiana is so amazing that all its excellent attributes, remarkable people, great places, and other claims to fame aren’t able to fit in this 200 list, and so I've definitely left out a whole bunch of other wonderful things about this fine state.  If there’s something you want to eagerly share with me, by all means, please let me know—you can use the contact form on the right side of this page to do so, or in any other way you know how. 

And with so many notables about Indiana, there’s all the more reason to continue celebrating all things Hoosier day after day with each passing year as we head forth from this occasion.

So here's to your Bicentennial, Indiana!  Godspeed for all the years ahead.

On May 19, 2013, the day of my graduation from Valparaiso University, with Kallay-Christopher Hall in the background, center of picture, the building for the Department of Geography and Meteorology

Saluting Indiana with this picture of me posing next to a statue of Orville Redenbacher in the up-and-coming downtown Valparaiso, along Lincolnway.  Thanks to Dan Ruggaber for getting this picture--one of many fine Hoosier I have gotten to know in my lifetime, especially during my time at Valparaiso University.

P.S. Check out the other blog posts which contain items in the 200 List about Indiana:
"A Starting Salute to Indiana"
"Another Friendly Silvery Salute"
"A Few Notables in Lake County, Northwest Indiana"
"Post-College: Three Years"
"A Place of Many Roads"
"Travels through Way More than Just Cornfields"
"Popcorn and Porter County"
"Hooray for Hoosiers of Note"

And I sure hope this Bicentennial occasion adds to the celebration at this evening's Advent Student Dinner at St. Teresa of Avila in Valaparaiso, along with the occasions of Gaudete Sunday and the end of the semester for ValpU students--see the first blog post in the list above.

Standing Firm in Time of Crisis

Sunday, December 7, 1941, was declared by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a "date which will live in infamy".

Certainly it was a day that had an enormous effect on the course of history, for the United States and the world, because the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor that day, as well as other military installations in the Pacific Ocean, drew the United States into World War II.

Looking back 75 years later, most of us see the occasion as a day of remembrance because of the loss of life and how it launched US entry into World War II against Japan, as well as Germany.  We can see with the perspective of history to recognize the lasting effects of that day went through the years of World War II, and then into the Cold War, and even the recent War on Terror.

This Pearl Harbor day of remembrance makes me think about an event of a similarly immense scale that happened in my own lifetime, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Even as a child, I felt the great anxiety pierce the air as the foundations of the world shook violently and we realized we were vulnerable in ways that we never could have imagined.  And it slowly dawned on us that this would be a day that would totally alter the course of history.  Yet we've gained a good deal of distance from that day--15 years now, so that September 11 is already taking on an air similar to the sense of Pearl Harbor's being an honored day of historic significance and remembrance.  But with my experience, I'll always carry with me memories seared in my mind of the distress of that day.

It makes me think about those who were alive on December 7, 1941, and witnessed the unfolding of a disaster and tragedy.  Then their lives were swept up into the war effort.  When the United States entered World War II, my Grandpa Martin, at the threshold of adulthood, went from a farm in Iowa to join the fight as a member of the US Navy--sort of the reverse of the Isaiah prophecy that speaks of turning weapons into farm tools.

Then there were those on the homefront like my Grandma Dottie and her family, who focused tirelessly on conserving their resources and contributing money to the war effort.  No matter how large or small their contribution, the people sacrificed to secure a victory by the Allied Powers.  Somehow, they pulled through it together and made it through a time of darkness, anxiety, and great uncertainty.

Perhaps the experience of what Tom Brokaw dubbed "the Greatest Generation" can teach us something about how each generation, when faced with crisis, can come stand together and face it head on, and somehow triumph.  Even in our own day, we can face the troubles before us, ultimately with confidence that one day, God will restore justice to the Earth, and all will be at peace in Him.

Libraries and Community

It's that time of year again for staff day at the Oak Park Public Library.  As we gather to enhance ourselves in the work we do, it makes me think about the important role libraries play in their communities.

That was the subject of the 2016 Annual McCusker Lecture at Dominican University back on October 6, sponsored by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, which is undergoing a name change to the School of Information Studies--a change the university's board of trustees approved the same day as the lecture.

The speaker was Sari Feldman, currently the Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Library System in Parma, OH.  She was also president of the American Library Association from 2015-2016.  During her presidency, she spearheaded the Libraries Transform campaign to highlight the role libraries play, which used a number of catchy slogans.  

She emphasized towards the beginning of her talk that libraries are less about what they have, and more about what they do.  Based on what I learned in my MLIS studies, I couldn't agree more:  As libraries are doing more with technology, and less with print materials, they still do the same work of connecting people to information resources--and technology was a major theme in her talk.  Indeed, libraries don't have to have just books to be useful to people.  She also mentioned that all libraries are public by the very nature of their role to serve people.  And libraries connect not only people to resources, but also people to each other, especially in light of the sharing economy, as well as entrepreneurial resources libraries provide to help people create their own products and services.  Then there are also the space resources libraries provide where people can meet.

Towards the end of her talk, Sari used the word "nostalgia" in a way that gave me pause, saying that it is the enemy of creativity.  I'm the kind of person that often turns to the past as a way of enhancing my understanding of current circumstances around me, and so I often find myself nostalgic.  But Sari suggested that nostalgia is a problem for libraries, because being too nostalgic hampers the ability of libraries to think innovatively that is critical for their survival in today's society.  And it makes sense that libraries must often think of new ways to provide their services, even as they maintain their never-changing role of serving.

Indeed, there's so much libraries do, and it's important for us librarians to let people know what we do, given the importance of the role we play in communities.  While we don't have to market ourselves like a business to make money, it's still important for us to make the people of the community aware that we are there to serve them.

As I think about the ways the Oak Park Public Library serves our community, I think about the unique initiative of the book bike, which had its first season in 2015, going all over the community to various events, bringing the library to the people.  It continued with much success this year 2016, and I was glad to be part of it on a couple of occasions.

I actually was there at the book bike's final outing of the season late in October, when I joined Jenny, one of the librarian book riders, at a block party.  These parties are a wonderful feature of the Oak Park lifestyle, and underscore the sense of community we have here.  This was the first time I had ever gone to a block party outside of my own block.  The residents there were so kind and welcoming to us, offering us hot beverages since we were spending an extended period of time outside on a rather cool day, and later welcomed us to enjoy some of their food.

Thanks to Jenny for offering to take this picture of me by the Book Bike.

It was nice chatting with the residents and getting to know them, as we showcased the library and offered activities for the children.

This brochure in a rack on the Book Bike uses a clever statement from the Libraries Transform campaign.

But that wasn't my first time at a book bike event.  Another one came at the beginning of October when I joined librarian Sarah with the book bike at Percy Julian Middle School to engage with students during lunch periods about Banned Books Week.

The time I spent at Julian was memorable, and is an experience that remains in a special place in my heart.  I enjoy every opportunity to return there and remind myself of that memorable time, and even interact with current students, who bring the experience alive for me again.

So when I heard the book bike was headed to Julian, I jumped at the chance, and arranged with Sarah to accompany her.  I was particularly eager to seize this opportunity because a number of my Religious Education students attend Julian.

Oh how enjoyable it was to be back at middle school lunchtime at Julian.  What was amazing to me is that lunch is the one unstructured period of the day for these students, when a teacher is not telling them explicitly what they're supposed to do.  Yet there were so many students who came up to the book bike to talk with us about banned books.  When they heard "Where is Waldo?" was a banned/challenged book, they reacted with great surprise.  We then encouraged them to flip through the copy of the book we had available on the bike to see if they could find out why someone challenged/banned it in a library.  And we encouraged them to think about the reasons why other books were challenged/banned.  Some students even checked out books that came on the bike.

We also gave them an activity to chalk out a quotation from a banned/challenged book on the ground in the area near the doors of the main entry and the Commons.  By the end of the last lunch period, there were so many quotes strewn about.

As I figured, I saw a number of my RE 8th grade students, some off in the distance, and some who actually came up to the Book Bike.  In the other lunch periods, I saw a number of other students who I recognize from Ascension Parish, and it was so nice to be reminded of all the connections I have.  One student, whose sister was one of my students last year, immediately came up to greet me when she stepped outside.

Being back at Julian also made me aware of how the student experience has changed.  For example, the enrollment has increased so greatly since I was at Julian that the students have to eat lunch in shifts.  One group eats first while the other goes outside to hang out, and halfway through the period, they switch.  And then there are the ubiquitous iPads--a word I learned near the start of the 7th grade school year.

It was an exciting time to be back at Julian, even despite my reservations over the idea of Banned Books Week.  But what happened there at Julian--as well as at Brooks the week before--is the heart of what I feel is the best way to address issues of intellectual freedom: having healthy conversations about it.  Clearly, the people who challenge library materials have legitimate reasons for doing so, based on how they want to foster a decent society.  While it may not be the best solution to remove an item from a library, librarians should readily facilitate conversation over the bigger issues raised by a book challenge, and help people in their efforts to create a decent society by promoting positive behavior and attitudes.  What happened at Julian was a great way to stimulate conversation and get these young people thinking about the underlying issues.  And some of the staff people who approached us commended us for coming out to raise awareness and conversation.

There is indeed a great community in Oak Park, fostered by the close connections we have with the people around us.  As an institution, the library plays an important role in the community, so it's very appropriate to have engagement as one of our three priorities at the Oak Park Public Library.  As my experiences with the book bike have shown, it's a two-way street:  As we engage with the community and promote the library, we benefit by getting to know the community better.

The library is all about bringing people together, and it's great to have opportunities like these to go out and be where people are getting together to emphasize that strong sense of community.

The True Spirit

This time of year makes us all too aware of how commercialized holidays can become.

This was on my mind a week and a half ago when I visited the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, to see the annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit, now marking its 30th year.  This holiday is celebrated annually in Mexico at the start of November, when people remember their beloved deceased by gathering at cemeteries in a celebratory spirit.  It combines indigenous Mexican religious beliefs with the Roman Catholic holy day of All Souls' Day.

I make a point to see this exhibit every year, to behold the richness of this profound occasion that honors those who have gone before us.  Every year, there are beautiful ofrendas and other pieces of art honoring different people who have passed on.  They include traditional Mexican ofrendas, like the one in the picture below.

Olegario Pascual Hernández Mendoza (Oaxaca)

Mixteca Offering (Ofrenda Mixteca)

2016

This year's exhibit also had an ofrenda honoring those who perished in the shooting at the night club in Orlando, as well as one honoring a deceased Chicago police officer (see picture below).

Solorio Academy High School (Chicago)

Ofrenda to Officer Eric Solorio

2016

This year's exhibit discussed how 30 years ago, when it first started at the museum, many people were unaware of what the holiday was about, and had trouble understanding such a macabre occasion.  Now, Día de los Muertos has become widely known in the United States, and has become commercialized, with a variety of products available specifically for the occasion (see picture below).

I learned that back in 2013, the Disney company filed a request to trademark the term "Day of the Dead", only to withdraw it after outcry from the Hispanic community.  A satirical poster was on making a statement on what the Disney company attempted (see picture below).

Lalo Alcaraz (California)

Muerto Mouse 

2013

Poster / Cartel

I suppose there's always a risk that something will be turned into an opportunity for making money, especially a significant holiday occasion, which makes it so important to stick to the original purpose as a guide for embracing its meaning.

That's why I'm so pleased that the National Museum of Mexican Art has this annual exhibit, because it's an opportunity for us to remember what this occasion is all about.  They also have a special event for Día de los Muertos that was held for the second time ever back on October 30, in which people from the community can create ofrendas and set them up outside in adjacent Harrison Park, very much like what happens in cemeteries in Mexico.

As we gaze at the ofrendas and other pieces of art that honor those who have departed this life, it gives us the chance to think about those we hold dear in our own lives who are no longer with us.  In the midst of sadness, we can take comfort that they were once with us, and enriched our lives, and that their presence continues in the impact they still make as their memories remain with us.  The artists who contribute to the exhibit do such a wonderful job using their creative abilities to set the tone.  It is my hope that even in the midst of attempts to commercialize the occasion, by continuing with things like this exhibit, the true spirit of the holiday will persist, no matter what.

Thanks to the fellow museum visitor who got this picture of me by the exhibit's entrance.  I am delighted to visit this exhibit each year as a way to connect with a profound part of my heritage.

By the way, the exhibit will be at the museum through December 11.  Please visit the museum's website for more information if you'd like to visit.

Thanks to Raquel, on staff at the museum, who helped arrange approval for me to use the pictures that appear in this post, and provided me with the credit information for the artwork.

Five Years Later in a new Spirit

Five years ago this weekend, Roman Catholics gathered for Mass, and the stumbling began with the official launch of the newly revised English translation of the Roman Missal.

I remember going to Mass on Saturday evening of that weekend, and it was the first time in my life that I would describe attending Mass as a "chaotic" kind of experience.  We had this new translation in front of us, which altered some of the responses and words we spoke at Mass, but it was going to take some getting used to, in part because the Mass is so scripted, we can get kind of locked into what we say week after week.  We were trying to hold ourselves together as we entered into the liturgy of the Mass, but with so many changes.  Of course, it was easier to handle the new translations when we sang the words, like with the Sanctus, versus the response "And with your spirit".

While there was some dislike for the wording, for me, there were some aspects I definitely liked about the new wording.  Saying, "And with your spirit", has a noble ring to it, as the intention is to acknowledge that the Spirit of God is upon the ordained minister in a special way in his ministry.  I also like saying "I believe" in the Creeds, instead of "We believe", because expressing faith comes down to a decision each of us makes, and that we own our faith as individuals, with each person saying, "I believe and adhere to this", which happens in the context of a community as each of us says it together, rather than passively following the crowd.

Then there's the call and response right before the start of the communion rite.  Every time I say that line, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof..." immediately makes me think of the story of the healing centurion's servant in Matthew 8, one of many connections between the Mass and the Bible.

As for the Gloria, all the phrases praising God in the first part gets at this idea that we're so filled with awe of God we just can't stop singing His praises in a profusion of words, much like we would sing the praises of a person or a thing that we enjoy.  That's an insight I remember from a faith sharing group I attended at St. Teresa's, the church I attended while away at college, as part of the preparation for the new translation's launch.

One thing I miss is the mystery of faith response "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again."  It put it very straightforwardly, but there's much richness in the texts of the current translation.

I also couldn't help but notice how the wording puts Roman Catholics more in line with the liturgy of other Christians:  While in college, I went to St. Paul's Lutheran Church with a couple of my LCMS friends on a handful of occasions.  When the new Roman Missal translation was launched, during my 3rd year, I noticed how the changes made the wording sound similar to what I heard spoken at St. Paul's.  Interestingly, though, when I attended liturgy at the Chapel of the Resurrection on campus, the response to "The Lord be with you," remained "And also with you".

I heard it said that it was needless to focus so much attention on new wording in the Mass, and not focus more on the action part of our faith in serving others and meeting their needs.

Looking back, I think it's good we went through this change to a different translation that is more directly a reflection of the original words of the Latin Mass:  Instead of just following along with the script passively, we went through some confusion and had to actually stop and think about what we say.  In the two months leading up to the launch of the translation, it was so wonderful to attend the faith-sharing group at St. Teresa's for several sessions, once a week, to go over the changes to the wording in different parts of the Mass, and then discuss the significance of the wording for our own lives, namely, in living out the Mass.

Ultimately, it's important that we give due attention to both worship when we gather at Mass, and then service in the times and places outside of Mass.  And when worship is done right, it inspires us to act in service to others as an expression of love in response to the God Who first loved us so much.

Keeping the Republic

I'm fairly certain that I have never woken up earlier in the morning to start my day than I did back on November 8, when the alarm I set on my phone sounded at 3:58 AM CST.

By 5 AM, I was over at a rather darkened Maze Branch of the Oak Park Public Library.  I frequented this library as a child, and got involved in my community by volunteering there in my middle and high school years during the summer.  This day, I would be working there, doing my part to serve not only the local community, but also the democratic process of the Republic of the United States of America itself, as an election judge.

For some time, I had floated the idea of being an election judge, and considered it seriously on a couple of occasions.  Back in September, with the 2016 presidential election on the horizon, I felt the time was right to seize this opportunity, so I made the arrangements.

Before Election Day, I did training, both in-person and online.  The Monday evening before, I met at Maze Library with my election judge team to do preliminary set-up of the equipment and materials for Oak Park's 16th precinct.  Leaving home to head over to Maze, sensing how close I was to Election Day, my eagerness and excitement built, and persisted even early the next morning.

In the hour between our arrival and the opening of the polls, we did more set-up, keeping ever mindful of following the proper procedures.  Upon arriving, we met the members of the 3^rd precinct election judge team, with whom we collaborated in some of the set-up, like the entrance signs, and the no-electioneering zone lines that were chalked out in blue.  (Those lines were still there, unaltered, ten days later.)  As we set-up, someone arrived at 5:30, ready to vote, but would have to wait, as would another person, who was even seeking hot coffee.

Then, the big moment came, at 6 AM, when I stepped to the entrance of the polling place, a side door facing Harrison Street, and called out to a sizable line of people waiting to vote, "The polls are open."

The long line persisted until at least 8:30 before diminishing.  After that point, the line never went much beyond the entrance doors, and there were long stretches of time after mid-morning when there wasn’t even a line. 

After announcing the opening of the polls, I lingered around the entrance, greeting voters and helping direct them.  The latter was an important task because Maze Library served as the polling place for both the 3^rd and the 16^th Oak Park Township precincts, with the respective poll equipment set up on different sides of the lower level Maze meeting room.  I spent much time studying a map of the two precincts, which paid off in helping me direct people to which of the two sides of the room they needed to go for check-in.  One statement I uttered over and over was that the 3^rd precinct is Gunderson Avenue and eastward, with check-in through the right door, while the 16^th precinct is Scoville Avenue and westward, with check-in through the left door.  (At one point later in the day, a woman leaving the polling place, hearing me call out this spiel, asked me how many times I had said that, to which I responded that I had pretty much lost track.) 

Even though I was serving as an election judge for the 16th precinct, I was readily helping direct people to the 3rd precinct, so that clearly, our two teams were in no way competing against each other, but collaborating in our important work.  This happened a lot, especially in that busy morning period, because there were so many more 16^th precinct voters who came by, and that side almost always had a much longer line than the 3^rd precinct, whose voters could, most of the time, head straight to check-in without having to wait in line.  This proved particularly helpful for some people who were headed off to work, like one person I know who teaches at Ascension School, who I whisked in immediately.

One aspect of this experience I definitely enjoyed was the interactions with the voters.  Even with the very early start to my morning, welcoming people really energized me, as I take great delight in engaging with people, even those I don't know, and helping them in some way, which makes me think of “Winning over Others” as one of my Top 5 Strengths according to the results of my Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment.  In this case, I was helping people participate in the democratic process of our Republic by voting.

Throughout the day, I enjoyed chatting with the people who came by, both as a greeter and then when I switched to sitting at the e-pollbook laptop computer at the check-in table.  It was certainly nice when people I personally knew came by, including people I knew from my Julian days and from my Confirmation class back in 2004-2005.  And since the 16^th precinct covers Ascension Parish and the surrounding blocks, I also saw many Ascension parishioners, some Ascension staff, and some parents of my Religious Education students.

It was so nice to see parents bring their children with them, so these young people could see democracy in action.  I can still picture the one man whose three children were all over him as he sat at a touch-screen machine, completing his ballot.  Then, in the evening, I was particularly delighted to see a woman come, who lived in the 3rd precinct, and brought with her two people, who appeared to be college-aged, one from Saudi Arabia, and one from Belgium, so they could see how voting happens in the United States.  Some people even asked me to take pictures of them and their children at the entrance, with the “I Voted” stickers, which were given out to the voters, as well as the children, and even the two international people I mentioned.

When serving as a greeter, it was great having the chance to be outside in the nice temperate conditions that prevailed from the late morning well into the afternoon, after a somewhat wet start to the morning.

I was still going with a lot of energy as the hours passed, even as we neared closing time.  At 7 PM, the closing announcement was made, and we started the process of tallying the votes, packing up the equipment, and signing lots of paperwork.  Because we ran into some major problems, we didn't end up leaving until 10 PM.  But I didn’t really mind the 17-hour day, because of the importance of what happened that day.

I have a list of experiences that made me feel proud to be a US Citizen.  They include watching Liberty's Kids in my youth, especially the scene in the final episode when George Washington was inaugurated President of the United States.  They have also come on trips, like when I'm traveling through the United States on a long road or train trip, taking in the heart of the country.  They've also occurred when I've watched a tour video of the United States, and recently the National Parks Adventure IMAX film.  They've come when I've visited historical sites, most especially this past summer when, after a long wait, I finally had the opportunity to tour Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  And to this list, I now add the experience of serving as an election judge on Election Day, November 8, 2016.  I say this not because of what happened at night as the election results were reported, but because of what happened during the day, as people came to vote, doing their part to make this country what it is.  It was so exciting for me to be there to facilitate the democratic process of this Republic.

Furthermore, I was reminded that the democratic process comes down to individuals going out to vote at their local polling places, making decisions that play out all the way up at the federal level.  Serving as election judge was a great opportunity to engage with the people in the local community, especially the many Ascension parishioners who I greeted and checked in, as well as other people I know from the community, and those I recognized from years past.

Regardless of who wins and loses elections, the United States government is designed to be all about the process of people participating, especially by voting.  So even when things go in a direction we consider unfavorable, we can turn again to the great and special reality that we are blessed in the United States that we get to vote.  And how fitting that just a few days after Election Day was Veterans’ Day, a reminder of the many who willingly sacrificed to maintain this way of life in our country, compelling us to do our part to carry it onward.

It was truly a profound experience serving as an election judge, especially from the moment when I signed an oath in the voter check-in label books, swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and to faithfully discharge the duties of election judge.

The reference to the Constitution of the United States hearkens back to 1787, when a group of people gathered throughout that summer at the Constitutional Convention in the Pennsylvania State House to create the document.  It laid out the framework for a federal government, including a Congress and a President.  But it's not just about something that happened way back then, because the power of that document and the government it created persists today, giving us the people an important role to play in our own day.

In fact, there’s a story that at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention back on September 17, 1787, as Benjamin Franklin was being carried out of the Pennsylvania State House, he was asked about the kind of government that had been created, a republic or a monarchy.  Benjamin Franklin replied, "A republic, if you can keep it."  Certainly all the people who came out to Maze Library to vote this past Election Day, along with all the other voters, took those words to heart by voting as a means of participating in the process of keeping the Republic of the United States what it is.

At this time of year when we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, the democratic process of our government is one thing that I'm especially thankful.  And I'm so glad I had the chance to serve as an election judge, which makes me proud to be a citizen of the extraordinary United States of America.

Above is a picture I took of the Assembly Room at Independence Hall, where the Constitutional Convention met to create the Republic we have today.  Below, voters for the 16th and 3rd Oak Park precincts kept the republic by coming to Maze Library on November 8, 2016.  Behind a bare bush is the side entrance of the building that provided entry to the polling place.  If you look closely at the sidewalk toward the bottom of the photo, you can see a blue chalk line, marking the no-electioneering zone.  It was still visible on November 18 when I took this photo.

Thanksgiving Thoughts 2016

There's so much I enjoy about this holiday:  It's a quintessentially American holiday for us the people of the United States, continuing a tradition that shows what our nation is about, in having a day to remind us of giving thanks.  It also touches so richly upon the Roman Catholic tradition, the heart of which is the Mass, when we celebrate the Eucharist, which comes from a Greek term for Thanksgiving.  Attending Mass in the morning of Thanksgiving Day has become a cherished tradition for me.  (I think of how fitting it is that Thanksgiving Day falls annually on a Thursday, just like Maundy Thursday before Resurrection Sunday, when we celebrate Christ's Institution of the Eucharist.)

There's another Thanksgiving tradition I've come to embrace deeply:  Every year since 2010, on the Sunday evening preceding Thanksgiving Day, I've attended an Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service sponsored by the Oak Park River-Forest Community of Congregations, an organization for the religious communities in the local area.  This year, I came full circle with the event, which was held at Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion Synagogue, the same place where it was held the first time I attended this service.

It's wonderful to join with neighbors who belong to different religious communities as we celebrate and give thanks for our blessings.  That principle was a theme that I sensed especially present throughout this year's prayer service:  Whatever our circumstances may be, they don't erase the ever present reality that we are blessed each day we have life, so that every day is a great day to give thanks.  Certainly the language of President Lincoln's Proclamation in 1863 establishing Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday on the last Thursday of November speaks about the blessings the country was experiencing even in the midst of the heartache of war.

I'm glad to be reminded of that wonderful insight, even in the midst of present challenges I face in my life.  I know I am blessed because I am alive, and that God has made me alive in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am blessed because of the relationships that add so much to my life.  And on this American Holy Day, I am blessed to live in the United States of America, where we have freedoms that were won for us in great strife, and that give us the chance to be active participants shaping our society to be a force for good in this world.

I am blessed, and so I give thanks to God, for it is right and just to render it to the God Who is the source of all these blessings.

Celebrating New Perspectives on Mercy

With the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on Sunday, November 20, 2016, the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy has concluded.

Here I am standing by the Holy Door of Mercy at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, on the evening before Christ the King Sunday.  Thanks to the man who kindly took this picture, who said he visited so many holy doors of mercy at cathedrals he couldn't remember how many off the top of his head.

The biggest take-away for me is a different perspective I have on mercy.  Sure, I knew mercy as something that someone extends to another in light of having done something wrong, and that God shows mercy to us sinners.  It's kind of like what I learned from watching Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, in extending something to someone even when he/she doesn't deserve it.  (Please feel free to check out this video, and note what the song's lyrics say about compassion and mercy.)  And I remember Calvary high school youth pastor Craig telling us in class that "Grace is getting what we don't deserve" and "Mercy is not getting what we deserve".  That's more or less the understanding of mercy I started with back on December 8, 2015, when the Jubilee Year started.  And it seemed that my engagement with this Jubilee felt somewhat limited at first because I only abided by that one sense of mercy.

But then I started thinking more deeply about mercy, figuring this Jubilee was just the time to do so, especially in the latter part.  And my understanding of mercy broadened, particularly when I started pondering more the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

I first encountered these works of mercy back in 8th grade when I was preparing for Confirmation.  As for the Corporal Works, I knew they are ways we meet the physical needs of people.  I didn't necessarily have as strong a command of the significance of the Spiritual Works, but I recognized that the process of helping my Religious Education students grow in relationship with God by faith connects with the Spiritual Works of Mercy, especially as they were in the process of preparing for Confirmation and then living faith beyond it.

I picked up some resources that helped me see how the Works of Mercy can be incorporated more into my life.  For example, one resource suggested that conserving water at home connects with "Giving Drink to the Thirsty" as a way of making sure I use water efficiently myself to ensure that others have sufficient water for their needs.

Then, while I was at the library, I encountered A Call to Mercy: Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve, a book that offers reflections on all 14 of the Works of Mercy, with the writings of Saint Teresa of Kolkata/Mother Teresa and those who worked closely with her as she and they reflect on her life's experiences in extending mercy to others.  It was amazing to see how Saint Mother Teresa so passionately sought to serve others and let them see the face of God the merciful Father--a passion that consumed her whole purpose in life, as she sought to see Jesus in others, the sick, and even those who criticized her.  Reading the book really challenged me to think not only about how I'm serving others through these works of mercy, but also with what attitude I do so.

I also found another book at the library, The Way of Mercy, that includes essays and other writings that speak about what mercy means, including the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.  One theme from the bull that stood out to me was how showing mercy to others reveals God's presence to others, especially in that mercy is such an integral part of His character.

And I went on a tour at the Chicago Art Institute, which gave me opportunity to reflect on the Spiritual Works of Mercy, one at each of seven different pieces of art.  Again, the reflections really helped me ponder more deeply what it means to have a relationship with God Who aids us in life’s difficult circumstances by the power of His mercy.  It was a very well-done reflection tour.

Then, something incredible took place in my Religious Education class yesterday that connected so well with the Jubilee.  I showed the students an excerpt from a video from the Chosen curriculum that explains what happens at Mass.  Then, each one got an old children's magazine, and looked for something that demonstrates the significance of Mass.  The students shared images that talked about how God is merciful to us, how He loves us, how Mass is a way we grow closer to God, and how Mass sends us forth to do good works, like the one gal who talked about how we should care for our earth.

As I listened to the various responses to the exercise I gave them to do, I couldn't help but be amazed by how these responses all connected with mercy:  It is all about God seeking after us, revealing His very Self that desires to forgive us our sins, and draw us into a closer relationship with Himself.  It was so beautiful to hear my students share these insights as we concluded the Jubilee of Mercy.

Having received mercy through forgiveness of sins, won for us by the Paschal Mystery, we are compelled by so great a gift to share it with others, now that we stand, forgiven, in relationship with God.  And the most important part is that receiving mercy, when we embrace it wholeheartedly, necessarily shapes our attitude toward how we love others, which is a direct reflection of how we love God.  And there are no limits to how we can show love to others in concrete, real ways, from providing some food to offering comfort.  These good works are the ways we show we have real faith from the forgiveness God grants us through the Cross, which was fittingly the Gospel reading for Christ the King Sunday that concluded this Jubilee.  (Jesus bore the wrongs patiently of those who mistreated Him, and forgave those, as well as the repentant criminal.)

I feel energized by these new perspectives I've gained on mercy, and look forward to heading out from the Jubilee Year of Mercy to continue in the exchange of mercy that God gives me to share.

Hooray for Hoosiers of Note

As Election Day nears, it's notable in this 200th Year of Indiana Statehood that Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a Hoosier, is on the ticket of a major party in the presidential race, as Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate on the Republican ticket--and Governor Pence is #156 on my Indiana 200 list.

Back in the 19th Century, Schuyler Colfax (#157) served as Vice President of the United States in the first term of President Ulysses Grant, after having served in the US House, rising to the Speakership.

Also in the realm of presidential history, we can't forget that while Abraham Lincoln's Land may be Illinois, he spent part of his youth in Indiana, and so he's #158 on the list, especially considering the sign greeting I-90 eastbound motorists just across the Illinois-Indiana state line that declares Indiana as Mr. Lincoln's Boyhood home.  Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial preserves a site pertaining to his youth (#159).

And though he got going in earnest toward his fame to claim in Ohio with his brother, Wilbur Wright (#160) was born in Millville (#161).

Also in the course of his life, while charting toward a substantial professional career, renowned African-American chemical scientist Percy Julian (#162) studied at DePauw University (#163) in Greencastle (#164), which has a science and math center named for him (#165).

Another notable university, Purdue (#164) in Lafayette (#165) has Mitch Daniels (#166) as its president, the predecessor of Mike Pence.  They're home to the Boilermakers (#167), which makes for quite an interesting mascot.