We're at the 50th Anniversary of one of the biggest weather occurrences in Chicagoland history, the greatest snowfall event of all recorded weather history in Chicago: Back on January 26-27, 1967, 23 inches of snow fell across the area, which brought pretty much everything to a standstill. Vehicles got stuck on roadways, with many unable to get home from work that night, and some people stayed stranded at work.
These big snowstorms, with totals of more than 20 inches of snowfall, have only been recorded five times since weather records began for Chicago. There are truly one of a kind events that stand out in the memories of those who live through them.
This giant snow happened long before I came around, and it's interesting to look at archived news coverage and retrospectives pieces on the event. I can sense the scale of it as I think about my experiences with two of the other big snowfalls in recorded Chicago weather history, the early January 1999 snowfall, and the major blizzard at the start of February 2011, as well as the one at the start of February 2015. I can remember the hype that built up toward the storm as the meteorologists made it clear that something big was happening, although I downplayed it enough with the two more recent events that when they turned out as big as they did, I was almost caught off guard. As a child back in 1999, I can recall the big piles of snow, which were about my height.
In all these cases, powerful forces in the atmosphere caused vigorous motions that supported large storms, both in the horizontal scale across a large geographic area, but even more so in the vertical scale, to allow for intense atmospheric motions that caused high rates of snowfall, also driven by the plentiful available moisture.
These kinds of major snowfalls speak to the nature of the infrastructure that supports our modern-day life in the United States, and how they can be crippled when such a massive snowfall topping 20 inches. It makes think about something I read in Poorer Richard's America: What Would Ben Say?, a book written in the witty style of Benjamin Franklin that is a commentary on various aspects of modern life and society in the United States. The author pokes fun at the idea of cities shutting down due to colossal snowfall, when people back in the 18th Century fared well and carried on with their lives because their infrastructure was simpler and they could get along fine when the weather turned nasty, not to mention that in the largely rural society that dominated 18th Century America, people had to be much hardier to survive.
This commentary gave me pause, for while this infrastructure brings us much convenience, it's become so engrained in our daily lives and we depend on it so much that it becomes problematic when something like a major blizzard happens. Indeed, even the robust nature of modern society in a major city like Chicago is no match for Mother Nature's fury, which I think is the important lesson to be learned. (Of course, Chicagoland proves pretty hardy in the face of snowfalls up to about 18 inches--just ask OPRFHS students and staff, who've only had a handful of weather-related closures since the 1870's owing to a handful of extreme snowfalls and cold spells.)
These events remind us of the importance of having a plan in place to cope with significant weather events, having supplies ready to make it through comfortably until things clear up, both the weather as well as roads that provide access for transport of people and resources. And it's important that the meteorological community that forecasts these events effectively communicates the nature of the impending event to the people who are to be impacted so they can take appropriate action, especially municipalities in getting people to leave work and school early so they don't get stuck on the roads, especially if we consider what happened in Chicago back in February 2011, or in the Atlanta Metro Area in January 2014, as well as for the end users to full understand what the meteorologists communicate.
Fortunately, despite the impact snow events can have, they are usually not as destructive as something like a tornado that is swift and often deadly in its furor, especially considering the lack of debris left in the wake of a snowfall versus a tornado. It just takes a ton of effort to clear the snow from streets. And it's usually easy enough to ride out the storm at home without the threat of imminent destruction. Plus, all the snow can make for lots of fun, especially for the children.
Check out this article posted on the National Weather Service Chicago(land)/Romeoville Forecast Office website that shares more details on the 1967 storm. The graphic at the bottom has some interesting statistics on the top 5 Chicago(land) snowfalls, which show that each was intense in differing factors, whether it be duration of snowfall, liquid equivalent, or maximum wind speeds.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Saturday, January 21, 2017
In Celebration of Eight Centuries of Preaching
I pause this day to acknowledge a momentous milestone for a remarkable group: It was on today's date, January 21, in 1217, when Pope Honorius III issued the document entitled Gratiarum Omnium Largitori, which recognized the followers of St. Dominic as an order authorized to study and preach. This document followed two others that were issued on December 22, 1216, establishing the Order of Preachers, otherwise known as the Dominicans, after their founder, a Spanish priest named St. Dominic de Guzman. So today concludes the 800th Jubilee of the Dominicans, which began on November 7, 2015.
My time attending graduate school at Dominican University has certainly made me more familiar with the Dominicans, and so gladly join in celebrating their special milestone anniversary by reflecting on them.
From what I know of their story, education is a major part of their mission. After plague seriously reduced the population and the number of available priests, the Church went into a serious recruitment effort, to the point that there were many illiterate priests, who memorized an entire Mass, including a homily, for each week of the year, in the one-year cycle. In addition to a heresy that was spreading, St. Dominic felt that priests should be more thoughtful with their homilies, and preaching the truth of Christ, and so he gathered people together who were dedicated to preaching--hence the name, "the Order of Preachers".
Before attending graduate school, I was well aware that the Dominicans have established a strong educational presence in the Oak Park River Forest area, with Fenwick and Trinity High Schools, as well as Dominican University, formerly Rosary College. It's fitting that the Order of Preachers (OP) has Fenwick High School, a Dominican college preparatory, in Oak Park (also OP). From what I've heard, Fenwick, named for the founder of the Dominican Province in the United States, is the only Dominican high school in the United States that was founded by Dominican brothers, rather than sisters.
I was drawn to Dominican University for its stellar library and information science program, as well as its close proximity to home. But I was also attracted by its values, and its commitment to upholding truth and service in love, so that education can accomplish higher aims in life. Those values added an extra dimension of depth to the graduation ceremony, especially when Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, was given an honorary doctorate degree, for her work in social services, especially as president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
I learned some of the particularities of the Dominican Order when I went to visit Fenwick High School's Chapel during the 2014 Community of Congregation tour of local sacred spaces--one of only a handful of times I've been inside Fenwick, though I pass by on the outside all the time. I learned a notable story about St. Dominic. When his mother was pregnant with him, she had a vision of a dog with a torch in its mouth, setting the world on fire. Another version of this story says his mother had this vision while in labor giving birth to him. It's a striking story that the role he would play in the world was foreshadowed before he was even born.
I also learned about some notable Dominicans while visiting Fenwick's Chapel, including that St. Martin de Porres was associated with the Dominicans. While I know of him because of Ascension Parish's sharing relationship with St. Martin de Porres Parish on Chicago's West Side, I had been unaware that he was a Dominican. There are other important figures who were Dominicans, like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Catherine Siena.
I was also intrigued to learn that the Pope wears white because many centuries ago, a Dominican was elected Pope, as Innocent V, and didn't want to give up wearing his order's vestments. So their influence continues on in this fashion statement.
The Gospel reading for Sunday Mass this weekend is about the start of Christ's earthly ministry, in which He preached and proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is at hand. The Dominicans, through their preaching, have certainly done much to make God's presence known on the Earth. We give thanks to God for the impact the Dominicans have made in bringing people to Christian faith by their commitment to preaching Christ, especially in the education of many young people, and so we celebrate their presence for 800 years this day.
My time attending graduate school at Dominican University has certainly made me more familiar with the Dominicans, and so gladly join in celebrating their special milestone anniversary by reflecting on them.
From what I know of their story, education is a major part of their mission. After plague seriously reduced the population and the number of available priests, the Church went into a serious recruitment effort, to the point that there were many illiterate priests, who memorized an entire Mass, including a homily, for each week of the year, in the one-year cycle. In addition to a heresy that was spreading, St. Dominic felt that priests should be more thoughtful with their homilies, and preaching the truth of Christ, and so he gathered people together who were dedicated to preaching--hence the name, "the Order of Preachers".
Before attending graduate school, I was well aware that the Dominicans have established a strong educational presence in the Oak Park River Forest area, with Fenwick and Trinity High Schools, as well as Dominican University, formerly Rosary College. It's fitting that the Order of Preachers (OP) has Fenwick High School, a Dominican college preparatory, in Oak Park (also OP). From what I've heard, Fenwick, named for the founder of the Dominican Province in the United States, is the only Dominican high school in the United States that was founded by Dominican brothers, rather than sisters.
I was drawn to Dominican University for its stellar library and information science program, as well as its close proximity to home. But I was also attracted by its values, and its commitment to upholding truth and service in love, so that education can accomplish higher aims in life. Those values added an extra dimension of depth to the graduation ceremony, especially when Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD, was given an honorary doctorate degree, for her work in social services, especially as president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
I learned some of the particularities of the Dominican Order when I went to visit Fenwick High School's Chapel during the 2014 Community of Congregation tour of local sacred spaces--one of only a handful of times I've been inside Fenwick, though I pass by on the outside all the time. I learned a notable story about St. Dominic. When his mother was pregnant with him, she had a vision of a dog with a torch in its mouth, setting the world on fire. Another version of this story says his mother had this vision while in labor giving birth to him. It's a striking story that the role he would play in the world was foreshadowed before he was even born.
I also learned about some notable Dominicans while visiting Fenwick's Chapel, including that St. Martin de Porres was associated with the Dominicans. While I know of him because of Ascension Parish's sharing relationship with St. Martin de Porres Parish on Chicago's West Side, I had been unaware that he was a Dominican. There are other important figures who were Dominicans, like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Catherine Siena.
I was also intrigued to learn that the Pope wears white because many centuries ago, a Dominican was elected Pope, as Innocent V, and didn't want to give up wearing his order's vestments. So their influence continues on in this fashion statement.
The Gospel reading for Sunday Mass this weekend is about the start of Christ's earthly ministry, in which He preached and proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is at hand. The Dominicans, through their preaching, have certainly done much to make God's presence known on the Earth. We give thanks to God for the impact the Dominicans have made in bringing people to Christian faith by their commitment to preaching Christ, especially in the education of many young people, and so we celebrate their presence for 800 years this day.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Celebrating my Abuela and Who She Is
It is with great joy that I mark my Abuela Velia's turning 80 this day. I rejoice because I am mindful of the special relationship that we've had, suited particularly to us as grandmother and grandson.
One very important part of her life is faith. It means so much for her to attend Mass weekend after weekend, to be present to Jesus Christ in the Word and in the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Faith is a gift she received that she passes on to me.
As part of my preparations for Confirmation a dozen years ago, I had a conversation with Abuela about the Holy Spirit's gift of reverence, choosing her for this interview because I felt that she displays much reverence in the way she lives out her faith. She told me she has a lot of reverence for God "because He is Almighty". While her parents instilled the ways of faith in her, she has committed to continuing in these ways in adult life, and passes this way of life on to me.
In many respects, we operate on a similar wavelength in the manner by which we appreciate the profundity of life, even in the little things.
I think my Abuela can be defined very much as a person by what she takes pictures of, which is something she enjoys doing. At family gatherings, she likes to take pictures of various groupings of people, like grandma and grandchildren, cousins, parents and children, etc., in addition to group photos of everyone. I even remember looking through the pictures she took at my Valparaiso University graduation, and she took pictures of the serving staff at the reception.
She also takes pictures of flowers and other scenery, seeing a special kind of beauty in them, revealing a sense of what life is. Sometimes, I'll show her pictures I've taken and she'll notice that sense of beauty in them.
My Abuela is also defined by her abundant spirit of generosity. She eagerly invites me to come over and visit her, because she values spending time with people. I think of this reality in especially regarding her sister, my Great Aunt Carmen. Though they live nearly 1000 miles apart, they call each other frequently, and travel back and forth to visit with each other with regularity.
She enjoys serving food when I come, and pouring forth her wisdom, insights, and advice unto me. And I often leave visits with her with something to take with me that she has given me as a gift.
She doesn't limit her generosity just to family and friends, though. One story that stays with me strongly was the time about 10 1/2 years ago that she and I went to Chinatown on Chicago's Near South Side, where we shopped. We were riding the Blue Line back to the Northwest Side. At the Clark/Lake Station, a number of passengers boarded the train, carrying luggage, bound for O'Hare Airport at the end of the line to catch flights. She randomly struck up conversation with the various people boarding, in keeping with her penchant for engaging with other people, even those she doesn't know.
She then turned to a man and asked him, "Where are you going?" He shared that lived in the Pilsen neighborhood and was on his way to catch a flight to Mexico where he would be married. The two of them kept the conversation going for a while. Abuela was so delighted to hear of his getting married. In her bag, she had two sets of wind chimes that had various words like "Happiness", "Peace", etc., printed on them in Chinese characters and Spanish words. She bought one for someone in particular, and planned to figure out who would get the other set. But feeling such joy while in conversation with this man, she reached into the bag, pulled out the wind chimes, and handed it to the man as a wedding gift.
Indeed, she thoroughly enjoys celebrating special occasions in grand style, which are among my most cherished memories, especially La Buenanoche on the night of December 24, and birthdays, too.
I always look forward to March 16 rolling around every year, and getting a call from Abuela, who, upon hearing me come on the line, strikes up "Las Mañanitas".
Well, it's now time to return the favor and sing her "Las Mañanitas" on this joyful occasion of marking 80 years of her presence gracing God's Earth.
One very important part of her life is faith. It means so much for her to attend Mass weekend after weekend, to be present to Jesus Christ in the Word and in the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Faith is a gift she received that she passes on to me.
As part of my preparations for Confirmation a dozen years ago, I had a conversation with Abuela about the Holy Spirit's gift of reverence, choosing her for this interview because I felt that she displays much reverence in the way she lives out her faith. She told me she has a lot of reverence for God "because He is Almighty". While her parents instilled the ways of faith in her, she has committed to continuing in these ways in adult life, and passes this way of life on to me.
In many respects, we operate on a similar wavelength in the manner by which we appreciate the profundity of life, even in the little things.
I think my Abuela can be defined very much as a person by what she takes pictures of, which is something she enjoys doing. At family gatherings, she likes to take pictures of various groupings of people, like grandma and grandchildren, cousins, parents and children, etc., in addition to group photos of everyone. I even remember looking through the pictures she took at my Valparaiso University graduation, and she took pictures of the serving staff at the reception.
She also takes pictures of flowers and other scenery, seeing a special kind of beauty in them, revealing a sense of what life is. Sometimes, I'll show her pictures I've taken and she'll notice that sense of beauty in them.
My Abuela is also defined by her abundant spirit of generosity. She eagerly invites me to come over and visit her, because she values spending time with people. I think of this reality in especially regarding her sister, my Great Aunt Carmen. Though they live nearly 1000 miles apart, they call each other frequently, and travel back and forth to visit with each other with regularity.
She enjoys serving food when I come, and pouring forth her wisdom, insights, and advice unto me. And I often leave visits with her with something to take with me that she has given me as a gift.
She doesn't limit her generosity just to family and friends, though. One story that stays with me strongly was the time about 10 1/2 years ago that she and I went to Chinatown on Chicago's Near South Side, where we shopped. We were riding the Blue Line back to the Northwest Side. At the Clark/Lake Station, a number of passengers boarded the train, carrying luggage, bound for O'Hare Airport at the end of the line to catch flights. She randomly struck up conversation with the various people boarding, in keeping with her penchant for engaging with other people, even those she doesn't know.
She then turned to a man and asked him, "Where are you going?" He shared that lived in the Pilsen neighborhood and was on his way to catch a flight to Mexico where he would be married. The two of them kept the conversation going for a while. Abuela was so delighted to hear of his getting married. In her bag, she had two sets of wind chimes that had various words like "Happiness", "Peace", etc., printed on them in Chinese characters and Spanish words. She bought one for someone in particular, and planned to figure out who would get the other set. But feeling such joy while in conversation with this man, she reached into the bag, pulled out the wind chimes, and handed it to the man as a wedding gift.
Indeed, she thoroughly enjoys celebrating special occasions in grand style, which are among my most cherished memories, especially La Buenanoche on the night of December 24, and birthdays, too.
I always look forward to March 16 rolling around every year, and getting a call from Abuela, who, upon hearing me come on the line, strikes up "Las Mañanitas".
Well, it's now time to return the favor and sing her "Las Mañanitas" on this joyful occasion of marking 80 years of her presence gracing God's Earth.
 |
| In the picture above, I am just about 7 months old, being held by Abuela. Below, Abuela and I are standing out on the walkway in front the house she lived in for over 30 years. Most likely, I was middle school-aged in this picture. |
 |
| Above, Abuela poses with me after the graduation ceremony at which I received my MLIS, on May 8, 2016. Below, Abuela and I are together in downtown Cripple Creek, CO, this past summer of 2016, when we joined a family celebration of my Great Aunt Carmen's birthday. |
Note: The link to the YouTube video above for "Las Mañanitas" is slightly different from the version Abuela sings for people's birthday, referring to one's "saint day". It is a traditional Mexican birthday song.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
A Few Extras for Indiana
A couple of weeks after Indiana's Bicentennial Day on December 11, 2016, I got together with my friend Roy and we visited, going all over Porter County, IN, and on the way there and back, passing through Lake County, IN, too.
I have to say, Indiana is looking pretty good at 200.
I feel like adding a little bit more to my List of 200 Things about Indiana, inspired by this recent visit there, my first there since it turned 200.
Roy took me to a place near Kouts called the Collier Lodge, which was a swanky place to stay decades ago. One of its guests included President Theodore Roosevelt. It sits in an area that used to be the Kankakee Marsh, astride the Kankakee River, which is generally the marker for the southern boundary of Lake and Porter Counties, and some of LaPorte County. Then we headed into Kouts itself, and I am glad on this visit that I finally got to see this town, beyond Valparaiso to the south on Indiana State Route 49. We made our way to Valparaiso, too, and after a while there, we passed through the bustling commercial area in Merrillville.
Some other notable locations in Indiana include the Wyandotte Caves, the town of Santa Claus, and Fort Sackville, by Vincennes, which hearkens about to its frontier days. Throughout the state are covered bridges, with a Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, in the west central part of the state.
Indianapolis is the location of a drug company that was founded by Eli Lilly.
African-American chemist Dr. Percy Julian, an Oak Park resident, attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, for his undergraduate degree in chemistry.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John G. Roberts, Jr., grew up in Long Beach, IN.
And I have to give a shout-out to some more Hoosiers: Norman Bridwell, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, the Jackson family of Gary, David Letterman, John Mellencamp, Cole Porter, Ryan White, and Levi Coffin, for their notable contributions to society, highlighting the wonderful contributions Indiana has made to the United States and beyond.
 |
| Roy took these two "selfie" pictures of us with his mobile device. The one above is at Valparaiso University, right outside the Christopher Center, with the Chapel of the Resurrection appearing to the left in the picture. The one below is in front of the Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville. |
I have to say, Indiana is looking pretty good at 200.
I feel like adding a little bit more to my List of 200 Things about Indiana, inspired by this recent visit there, my first there since it turned 200.
Roy took me to a place near Kouts called the Collier Lodge, which was a swanky place to stay decades ago. One of its guests included President Theodore Roosevelt. It sits in an area that used to be the Kankakee Marsh, astride the Kankakee River, which is generally the marker for the southern boundary of Lake and Porter Counties, and some of LaPorte County. Then we headed into Kouts itself, and I am glad on this visit that I finally got to see this town, beyond Valparaiso to the south on Indiana State Route 49. We made our way to Valparaiso, too, and after a while there, we passed through the bustling commercial area in Merrillville.
Some other notable locations in Indiana include the Wyandotte Caves, the town of Santa Claus, and Fort Sackville, by Vincennes, which hearkens about to its frontier days. Throughout the state are covered bridges, with a Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, in the west central part of the state.
Indianapolis is the location of a drug company that was founded by Eli Lilly.
African-American chemist Dr. Percy Julian, an Oak Park resident, attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, for his undergraduate degree in chemistry.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John G. Roberts, Jr., grew up in Long Beach, IN.
And I have to give a shout-out to some more Hoosiers: Norman Bridwell, Virgil "Gus" Grissom, the Jackson family of Gary, David Letterman, John Mellencamp, Cole Porter, Ryan White, and Levi Coffin, for their notable contributions to society, highlighting the wonderful contributions Indiana has made to the United States and beyond.
Monday, January 9, 2017
A Tribute to my Great Aunt June
Back on November 23, 2016, my Great Aunt June turned 90.
I wrote a tribute speech to her, which I shared with everyone gathered at my family's Thanksgiving Day dinner.
I post it here now in honor of her milestone:
I wrote a tribute speech to her, which I shared with everyone gathered at my family's Thanksgiving Day dinner.
I post it here now in honor of her milestone:
Aunt June, as you mark 90 years, I have so much reason to celebrate.
I think upon the many times we’ve spent visiting together. It’s nice to be able to pop right over to
539 S. Humphrey Avenue, especially on days with weather nice enough to bike
over, to the one house where I have relatives right in Oak Park. We have had many delightful conversations on
a variety of subjects. Your passion for
education and your strong intellect shine forth so brightly even in your
retirement years, and it’s made for some good conversation, including
everything in the canon of English literature to current events.
In fact, I recall an instance when we attended Uncle
Bernie’s graduation for his master’s degree.
The ceremony’s speaker, Colonel Jill Morgenthaler, talked about courage,
and towards the end of her speech, she started quoting from the story about the
Argo, and I remember vividly how your face lit up as you recited the words
along with her.
And you show a great sense of care in the hospitality you
offer me when I come by, like in offering me a treat to eat. You have shown that same sense of care with
your pets, especially as I think of our beloved Butterfly, and our Blake, too. You’re also so eager to contribute something
special to celebratory occasions, like when we gather as a family for a holiday
meal, and for your pleasant gifts on those occasions. I am always delighted when you get something
together for me for my birthday, year after year. You also enjoy “nice” foods, like fine candies and other
delicacies.
It’s been wonderful visiting with you elsewhere as
well. I think back upon those
delightful summer days when I would meet you at Rehm Pool and visit with you
and your wonderful friends. And I think
about that day when I took you to Presence, where I had the pleasure of meeting
Flora, and we had a fantastic visit with my Grandma Vel. And I think upon all those other times when
I encounter you somewhere like at Fair Share or the library.
And who could forget the Getaway, and the great times of
vacationing our family had there. You
did a fabulous job maintaining that place to be that excellent vacation spot
that it was.
Indeed,
I have good things to recall as you celebrate 90 years on your birthday this
year, and I’m so grateful I’ve a part in 25 of them.
Here’s to you, Aunt June.
Joy be with you and God Bless.
Paul
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| My Great Aunt June at a dinner celebrating her Birthday of 90 years. Thanks to my Uncle Bernie for letting me use the camera on his phone for this picture. |
Friday, January 6, 2017
Reflecting on Gifts 2016, in the Spirit of the Magi
We've reached January 6, at the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, which has provided opportunity to reflect on the Great Mystery of God present to us in Jesus Christ, the Word Made Flesh.
As God came to us in a tangible form, so we share an expression of His love for us by showing love to others in tangible ways, like in the gifts we exchange on Christmas Day in celebration of the Nativity of the Lord.
The occasion of the Epiphany around January 6 makes me think of a custom that Father Larry, former pastor of Ascension Parish, has, to share about the gifts he received on the occasion of the Lord's Nativity, and relate them to the significance of the gifts the Magi brought the Christ Child, which he usually does in his homily on Epiphany Sunday.
The gold was given to acclaim Jesus as King. The frankincense recognizes that He is a Priest, with the purpose (or vocation) of bringing us to God. The myrrh honors the sacrifice Jesus made in His humanity for the sin of all people.
Father Larry's reflection on the significance of his gifts makes me think more deeply about the gifts I gave and received. And so I use the above description of the Magi's gifts to the Christ Child as a guide for reflecting on this Epiphany on the gifts I gave and received for the occasion of the Nativity of the Lord.
Please note: This post is not intended to present an exhaustive list of all my gifts. Rather, I am selecting one specific gift that pertains to each of the Magi's gifts, even in a small or not so obvious way. And certainly other gifts I gave and received could fit with the categories represented by each of the three Magi's gifts. And while we're at Epiphany 2017, the exchange of gifts occurred at Christmas-Nativity Day 2016 and so that year is reflected in the title of this post, which is a change from how I've done this post annually in the past. Next year's post in January 2018 on the Epiphany will reflect the exchange of gifts in December 2017.
Gifts I Gave
Gold: I gave my Grandma a jar of strawbelly jam from Stover Farms, a vendor at the Oak Park Farmer's Market, so she can enjoy something nice and sweet.
Frankincense: I gave my uncle a photo print of a picture taken on the day he came to my Religious Education class and shared his insights with my students, as a way to thank him for his presence that day.
Myrrh: I gave my brother Eric and sister-in-law Naomi a bag of fair trade coffee, as they enjoy consuming coffee on a regular basis.
Gifts I Received
Gold: My Grandma gave me a shirt with the logos for the three Cubs World Series Championships, in 1907, 1908, and 2016, which is a way for me to commemorate the historic occasion when the Cubs won the World Series in November 2016.
Frankincense: My brother and sister-in-law gave me a copy of Ron Chernow's biography on Alexander Hamilton, which connects with my interest in history and other subjects, and ties in with my librarian pursuits.
Myrrh: My Grandma gave me a painting of our beloved Buddy the dog, done by someone at her retirement residence community. When I first saw it, I remarked how beautiful it was, for how it looked, and how it honors our beloved family dog.
On the subject of gifts, I also think about the cards and gifts I got from some of my Religious Education students at the final classes before break. For the first time ever, I got family Nativity photo greeting notes, one of which had a summary of the family's experiences in 2016. It was touching for me to have played a significant role in the life of this one student and so to be included among the recipients of the family's special greetings in which they share something of their family life.
Indeed, gifts are great as they reflect the relationships we have in life. And the Greatest Gift of all in Christ is a relationship with God Himself, Who has come to abide with us forever, our Immanuel, Savior, and Lord.
And so I offer the words that St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
As God came to us in a tangible form, so we share an expression of His love for us by showing love to others in tangible ways, like in the gifts we exchange on Christmas Day in celebration of the Nativity of the Lord.
The occasion of the Epiphany around January 6 makes me think of a custom that Father Larry, former pastor of Ascension Parish, has, to share about the gifts he received on the occasion of the Lord's Nativity, and relate them to the significance of the gifts the Magi brought the Christ Child, which he usually does in his homily on Epiphany Sunday.
The gold was given to acclaim Jesus as King. The frankincense recognizes that He is a Priest, with the purpose (or vocation) of bringing us to God. The myrrh honors the sacrifice Jesus made in His humanity for the sin of all people.
Father Larry's reflection on the significance of his gifts makes me think more deeply about the gifts I gave and received. And so I use the above description of the Magi's gifts to the Christ Child as a guide for reflecting on this Epiphany on the gifts I gave and received for the occasion of the Nativity of the Lord.
Please note: This post is not intended to present an exhaustive list of all my gifts. Rather, I am selecting one specific gift that pertains to each of the Magi's gifts, even in a small or not so obvious way. And certainly other gifts I gave and received could fit with the categories represented by each of the three Magi's gifts. And while we're at Epiphany 2017, the exchange of gifts occurred at Christmas-Nativity Day 2016 and so that year is reflected in the title of this post, which is a change from how I've done this post annually in the past. Next year's post in January 2018 on the Epiphany will reflect the exchange of gifts in December 2017.
Gifts I Gave
Gold: I gave my Grandma a jar of strawbelly jam from Stover Farms, a vendor at the Oak Park Farmer's Market, so she can enjoy something nice and sweet.
Frankincense: I gave my uncle a photo print of a picture taken on the day he came to my Religious Education class and shared his insights with my students, as a way to thank him for his presence that day.
Myrrh: I gave my brother Eric and sister-in-law Naomi a bag of fair trade coffee, as they enjoy consuming coffee on a regular basis.
Gifts I Received
Gold: My Grandma gave me a shirt with the logos for the three Cubs World Series Championships, in 1907, 1908, and 2016, which is a way for me to commemorate the historic occasion when the Cubs won the World Series in November 2016.
Frankincense: My brother and sister-in-law gave me a copy of Ron Chernow's biography on Alexander Hamilton, which connects with my interest in history and other subjects, and ties in with my librarian pursuits.
Myrrh: My Grandma gave me a painting of our beloved Buddy the dog, done by someone at her retirement residence community. When I first saw it, I remarked how beautiful it was, for how it looked, and how it honors our beloved family dog.
On the subject of gifts, I also think about the cards and gifts I got from some of my Religious Education students at the final classes before break. For the first time ever, I got family Nativity photo greeting notes, one of which had a summary of the family's experiences in 2016. It was touching for me to have played a significant role in the life of this one student and so to be included among the recipients of the family's special greetings in which they share something of their family life.
Indeed, gifts are great as they reflect the relationships we have in life. And the Greatest Gift of all in Christ is a relationship with God Himself, Who has come to abide with us forever, our Immanuel, Savior, and Lord.
And so I offer the words that St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Grapes of Anticipation 2017
New Year's 2017 Greetings!
Once again, I've find myself in that fresh, blank slate kind of feeling on this first day of a new year. I think about what will fill this year when I reach December 31 and look back on all that happened. Yet even on this January 1, I am already anticipating a number of events. I reflect on what I look forward to in accordance with the Hispanic custom of 12 grapes upon the changing of the year.
Grape #1, a trip to Florida: I'm planning to head there later this month, starting with spending a couple days visiting someone in Vero Beach. Then, I'll make my way to the Daytona Beach area for a wedding celebration for my brother and sister-in-law. I plan to conclude my time there with some sightseeing, like in St. Augustine, and maybe manatee watching. And to savor the trip experience, I'll soak in the country aboard Amtrak.
Grape #2, celebrating my Abuela's 80th Birthday: My family and I will mark this milestone later this month. I rejoice in participating in this celebration for a very special woman, as my grandma and I have always had a special relationship.
Grape #3, a trip to Myrtle Beach: To celebrate my Abuela's turning 80, I plan to gather with my family, including extended relatives, in Myrtle Beach in May. It will be another great opportunity to head south.
Grape #4, further opportunities to engage professionally with my new degree: With my newly-minted MLIS degree in hand, I look forward to the ways I'll put it to use in my profession in the field of library and information science.
Grape #5, marking Canada's 150 years: I look forward to following the celebrations of the neighboring country, as the True North Proud and Free marks 150 years since becoming a confederation on July 1. I hope to at least take a short trip to Canada, feeling this is a fitting time to visit, and is the right time to finally obtain a US passport, which I've never had before in my life. (On the subject of anniversaries, 2017 will mark some other 150-year anniversaries, like the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly pertinent to Oak Park, the location of his home and studio, and the state of Nebraska, meaningful for me in light of my recent experience at St. Augustine Mission in Winnebago, NE.)
Grape #6, Christ College 50-year anniversary: The Honors College of Valparaiso University will mark 50 years since its formation. I hope to take part in the festivities surrounding a unique institution that encourages its members to ponder more deeply what it means to be human.
Grape #7, the new presidential administration: The democratic process of the Republic of the United States of America will continue to unfold this month, as a new president takes office. I'll be following to see how it all plays out as the United States undergoes this transition once more.
Grape #8, campaigns leading to local elections: We're already in the incipient stages of the campaigns for elections in April for municipal offices. I look forward to participating in the conversations that occur during the campaigns, and continuing my involvement as a United States citizen by doing my part in making an impact on local affairs.
Grape #9, exploring new places in the local area: I always find some interesting new places and experiences to have in the local Chicagoland area, and I look forward to what I'll get to do this year when out and about.
Grape #10, PBS Masterpiece's Victoria show: Seeing ads for this new show piques my interest in a significant period of British history, defined by the second longest-reigning monarch. I plan to spend several Sunday evenings watching the episodes starting later this month.
Grape #11, 500 years since the nailing of the 95 Theses: I read about an event that took place this past October attended by Pope Francis and Protestant leaders that looked ahead to October 31, 2017, marking 500 years since the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church. I look forward to noting any conversation that arises from the occasion, especially ecumenical dialogue, as I'm hopeful all of us Christians are in a position to seek greater unity in this day and age.
Grape #12, new opportunities at Ascension: The parish hired some new staff in 2016, and their promise in engaging the parish community has already shown in the few months they've been at Ascension. I look forward to the new opportunities that arise from initiatives they spearhead. I particularly look forward to seeing how youth ministry at Ascension will grow with Matt Goto's efforts, and helping as I can. (I'm also interested in seeing what happens with the Holy Fire gathering this year.)
Despite challenging circumstances in my life, I found myself living a good life because my faith is so vibrant. I know that God offers me support, and won't give up on me, which inspires me to not give up on Him, and keeping tending to this great gift of faith He gives me.
So, yes, I have a few things I'm anticipating to get me going eagerly into this new year of 2017, remaining aware that much will happen that I certainly can't imagine now. But faith teaches me the wisdom, so that I venture forth into this new year of 2017 into whatever it has in store for me, commending myself to the grace of God, as always, for He, the God outside of time, remains the same through all time, yesterday, today, and forever.
Once again, I've find myself in that fresh, blank slate kind of feeling on this first day of a new year. I think about what will fill this year when I reach December 31 and look back on all that happened. Yet even on this January 1, I am already anticipating a number of events. I reflect on what I look forward to in accordance with the Hispanic custom of 12 grapes upon the changing of the year.
Grape #1, a trip to Florida: I'm planning to head there later this month, starting with spending a couple days visiting someone in Vero Beach. Then, I'll make my way to the Daytona Beach area for a wedding celebration for my brother and sister-in-law. I plan to conclude my time there with some sightseeing, like in St. Augustine, and maybe manatee watching. And to savor the trip experience, I'll soak in the country aboard Amtrak.
Grape #2, celebrating my Abuela's 80th Birthday: My family and I will mark this milestone later this month. I rejoice in participating in this celebration for a very special woman, as my grandma and I have always had a special relationship.
Grape #3, a trip to Myrtle Beach: To celebrate my Abuela's turning 80, I plan to gather with my family, including extended relatives, in Myrtle Beach in May. It will be another great opportunity to head south.
Grape #4, further opportunities to engage professionally with my new degree: With my newly-minted MLIS degree in hand, I look forward to the ways I'll put it to use in my profession in the field of library and information science.
Grape #5, marking Canada's 150 years: I look forward to following the celebrations of the neighboring country, as the True North Proud and Free marks 150 years since becoming a confederation on July 1. I hope to at least take a short trip to Canada, feeling this is a fitting time to visit, and is the right time to finally obtain a US passport, which I've never had before in my life. (On the subject of anniversaries, 2017 will mark some other 150-year anniversaries, like the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly pertinent to Oak Park, the location of his home and studio, and the state of Nebraska, meaningful for me in light of my recent experience at St. Augustine Mission in Winnebago, NE.)
Grape #6, Christ College 50-year anniversary: The Honors College of Valparaiso University will mark 50 years since its formation. I hope to take part in the festivities surrounding a unique institution that encourages its members to ponder more deeply what it means to be human.
Grape #7, the new presidential administration: The democratic process of the Republic of the United States of America will continue to unfold this month, as a new president takes office. I'll be following to see how it all plays out as the United States undergoes this transition once more.
Grape #8, campaigns leading to local elections: We're already in the incipient stages of the campaigns for elections in April for municipal offices. I look forward to participating in the conversations that occur during the campaigns, and continuing my involvement as a United States citizen by doing my part in making an impact on local affairs.
Grape #9, exploring new places in the local area: I always find some interesting new places and experiences to have in the local Chicagoland area, and I look forward to what I'll get to do this year when out and about.
Grape #10, PBS Masterpiece's Victoria show: Seeing ads for this new show piques my interest in a significant period of British history, defined by the second longest-reigning monarch. I plan to spend several Sunday evenings watching the episodes starting later this month.
Grape #11, 500 years since the nailing of the 95 Theses: I read about an event that took place this past October attended by Pope Francis and Protestant leaders that looked ahead to October 31, 2017, marking 500 years since the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church. I look forward to noting any conversation that arises from the occasion, especially ecumenical dialogue, as I'm hopeful all of us Christians are in a position to seek greater unity in this day and age.
Grape #12, new opportunities at Ascension: The parish hired some new staff in 2016, and their promise in engaging the parish community has already shown in the few months they've been at Ascension. I look forward to the new opportunities that arise from initiatives they spearhead. I particularly look forward to seeing how youth ministry at Ascension will grow with Matt Goto's efforts, and helping as I can. (I'm also interested in seeing what happens with the Holy Fire gathering this year.)
Despite challenging circumstances in my life, I found myself living a good life because my faith is so vibrant. I know that God offers me support, and won't give up on me, which inspires me to not give up on Him, and keeping tending to this great gift of faith He gives me.
So, yes, I have a few things I'm anticipating to get me going eagerly into this new year of 2017, remaining aware that much will happen that I certainly can't imagine now. But faith teaches me the wisdom, so that I venture forth into this new year of 2017 into whatever it has in store for me, commending myself to the grace of God, as always, for He, the God outside of time, remains the same through all time, yesterday, today, and forever.
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