Resonating Deeply and Re-inspiring

It's amazing to consider how we can go to new places and encounter that which resonates with us deeply.  That's what I expected, and what happened, in the middle of July 2021 when I traveled to Dallas, for the specific purpose of visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University--please see photo below, showing the front entrance area.  (Please note, like usual, all photos in this post are mine unless otherwise noted.)

This museum was the fifth NARA presidential museum I have visited, and the first time I would visit a museum of a president from within my lifetime.

A few minutes after 12 noon on Thursday, July 15, I left home and about half an hour later, Mom dropped me off at Chicago Union Station.  I waited there a few minutes before boarding the train.

Here's the departure board display at Union Station.  The Texas Eagle, train #21, appears on the fourth line from the top.

Right on the dot at 1:45 PM CDT, I felt the lurch of the Texas Eagle train beginning its journey southward.  (Please note, all times in this post are CDT.)  There were plenty of places I recognized as we traveled through the Southwest Side of Chicago and then into the Southwest Suburbs toward Joliet, following the Canal corridor.  We rode along the Orange Line tracks for a time, crossed over the South Branch of the Chicago River and Bubbly Creek, passed close by Midway Airport, and crossed under Harlem Avenue and LaGrange Road, which are part of my daily commute to work.

South of Joliet, we passed by Lincoln National Cemetery, which is a place that gives me pause to pay my respects to my Grandpa Martin. Then we followed the Route 66/I-55 corridor through vast farm fields, which put me in the mood to play the movie soundtrack album of Cars.  Further along, I switched to the album of the movie soundtrack for Lincoln as we neared Springfield.  I also got myself in the mood for visiting the Bush Presidential Center by reading more of No Higher Honor, Condoleezza Rice's memoir of her service in the Bush administration.  It started to rain at Bloomington-Normal, with some thunderstorms.  As we got close to St. Louis, we got great views of the skyline.  After we departed St. Louis, I joined my friend Roy's Bible study gathering by calling in to the Zoom session he hosted.

The next morning, on Friday, July 16, I awoke to the scenery of rural Arkansas, which was picturesque in its own delightful way.  

Station at Hope, AR

I stepped off the train at Texarkana, in the photo below, to walk around a few minutes after 8 AM.  

Then we entered Texas.  During this time, I listened to Speaking for Myself on audiobook, Sarah Huckabee Sanders's book, which seemed fitting since part of this trip went through Arkansas.  

The view of the Piney Woods from the final car of the train as we await our arrival at the station at Marshall, TX

I stepped off to walk around at the Longview station a few minutes after 11 AM, my entry into the blast of Texas summertime heat.  I also reminisced about my last trip to Texas, when I traveled to Austin via the Texas Eagle, and stepped onto Texas ground for the first time at the Longview station--please see photo below.

We headed west from Longview, and after passing through fields for a while, we then reached the sprawl of the Dallas Metro Area.  We arrived around 1:30, about 2 hours late.  

The Texas Eagle, train #21, at Dallas Union Station

I got my bearings with the DART system, and then boarded the Red Line train.  I disembarked at the Tyler/Vernon station, where my AirBnb host, John, awaited to pick me up and take me to his home, where I had booked my lodgings.

Before this trip, my mental picture of Dallas was as a big Texas city, but this time was a chance to get a feel for the neighborhoods like Oak Cliff, where I stayed.  It was a quiet place, without sidewalks or much vehicular traffic, and tree-lined streets, which helped provide shade in the intense Texas summertime heat.

Entry area into the neighborhood where my AirBnb lodings were, at Vernon Avenue (in the foreground) and Monssen Drive, which heads off from the foreground

After getting settled, I went to get lunch at the Tacos La Gloria food truck by the Tyler/Vernon station.  Following a trip to the nearby Kroger for groceries, I decided to head into downtown Dallas.  

So I got on the DART, and once in downtown, I walked to the Central Library.  (The photo below shows a view of the library building from the southwest.)  

I arrived with about half an hour before closing, which gave me enough time to tour the highlights.  It is a spectacular building, housing not only library resources, but also great exhibits and displays of artwork.  I was particularly impressed with the Declaration of Independence display, with an original Dunlap broadside printing, among the first printed copies of the Declaration from July 4, 1776.  

Above is the Declaration, and below is the entrance to the special exhibit area housing it.

There was also a special room with wooden paneling that houses a Shakespeare Folio.  And there were great views of the surrounding blocks.  I was also pleased that staff on the 2nd floor at the children's desk reached out and offered me a guided tour sheet that highlighted the displays.

I walked north from the library, and stumbled upon Thanksgiving Square--please see photo below.  It's an interreligious meditation/prayer space that celebrates the universal human act of thanksgiving.  Its main plaza is below street level, by design.  There's a waterfall feature with the sound of water so noisy, it actually drowns out the sound of the traffic at street level--this feature appears to the left in the photo below.

And then I walked to the Cathedral of Guadalupe for 7 PM Mass in Spanish.  The steeple soars high above the street level.  

Above is the exterior of the Cathedral of Guadalupe, and below is the interior.

The interior had a very sacred, and quaint feel, and the air conditioning was so refreshing after having walked in the still humid and warm evening.  Following Mass, I returned to my lodgings.

View of the sunset over the Trinity River and the surrounding Dallas Floodway from onboard the DART train

Shortly after 8 AM the following morning, on Saturday, July 17, I left my lodgings for the principal part of my Dallas excursion.  I rode the DART to the SMU/Mockingbird Station, which is below street level.  Then I walked to the Bush Presidential Center arriving around 9:20.  The architecture of the building is very impressive, especially as you view it while walking toward the entrance.

After I got my bearings, I headed straight for the main exhibit.  Unlike other presidential museums I've visited, this one doesn't have a collection of items from George W. Bush's youth.  It shows some photos from his youth, and then jumps right into how his service as Governor of Texas gave way to his announcement to run for president in 1999.  There was a video montage of the events in the post-election period when the results were in limbo.  It was interesting for me to hear the details of what happened during those weeks as I was too young to really latch on to all the details back when it happened.  And there was lots of memorabilia from his first inauguration.

The exhibit then moved into a look at his major policy aims of the first few months of his administration: tax reform, education, and faith-based initiatives.  

There was a marked shift in the tone of the exhibit with the displays about September 11.  Prominently displayed was a piece of twisted metal from the World Trade Center wreckage, as shown in the photo below.  

There were video displays from the news coverage that day, and other artifacts, some of which are in the photo below, like notes from the speech he gave that evening.

From there, the exhibit discussed his administration's efforts to combat terrorism.  The exhibit then changed to a much lighter tone with exhibits about his life in the White House.  Featured there was a full-size replica of the Oval Office, which, notably, visitors can actually walk into, unlike at other presidential museums, and they can even sit at the Resolute Desk.  

Visitors can also step outside into a recreation of the colonnade and the Rose Garden.

The exhibit also took a look at other major aspects of policy his administration addressed, including foreign relations, like addressing disease in Africa, the 2008 financial crisis, immigration reform, and social security reform.  The end of the exhibit focused on his post-presidency activities.

On display were items like memorabilia from state dinners, statues of the Bush dogs, gifts from people of foreign countries, and documents like his statement nominating Samuel Alito as an Associate Supreme Court Justice.

Besides the main exhibit, there was a special exhibit featuring his portraits of immigrants--painting is a hobby he's taken up in retirement.  Included with the portraits are displays explaining the current immigration system and policy suggestions for reform.  I had checked out the book he published featuring the portraits and had read many of the immigrants' stories.  It was wonderful to see the actual works on display, with a range of people including government official Dina Powell McCormick and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Here are three of Mr. Bush's portraits:  At the top is Madeleine Albright. Below her is Alfredo Duarte.  To the right is Indra Nooyi.

Above is a display with a bar graph showing US foreign-born population over the years.  On the surface is a display with examples of immigrant contributions, including inventions and food items. Below is a close-up.

I then went back to the main exhibit to take a second look at a few areas before I went to lunch at Cafe 43 at 2 PM, located in the museum building.  I had chicken enchiladas.  I also bought some Cowboy Cookies to take home, which is Mrs. Bush's noted recipe.

Following lunch, I walked around in the Texas Native Park on the grounds to the south of the museum, and I lingered there for a while.  The four photos below show different views of the park.

Looking south

Looking east

Looking north toward the library/museum building

a pond feature

A little after 4 PM, I made my way back to the SMU/Mockingbird DART station, and then rode the train north to the Spring Valley station in the suburb of Richardson.  I walked west to St. Paul the Apostle Parish to attend 5:30 Mass.  There wasn't too much decor in the sanctuary, but that brought more attention and focus to the crucifix and the window of St. Paul.  Following Mass, I walked back to the DART station and then rode the Red Line about 45 minutes back to the Tyler/Vernon Station.  Upon arriving there, I decided to get dinner at Tacos la Gloria, tacos accompanied by rice and beans.  And then I returned to my lodgings to retire for the night.

I spent time taking it easy the following morning, Sunday, July 18, visiting with the hosts, and walking around the neighborhood.  I ended up back at Tacos la Gloria and got a gordita for lunch.  After I brought it back and ate it, I got myself packed up, and shortly after noon, John took me to the DART station, where we parted ways, and I traveled to Union Station.

Tyler/Vernon DART station

After putting my luggage into parcel check storage, I walked around the downtown area for a while.  I trudged through the intense heat and humidity to Trinity Overlook Park to take in views of the Dallas skyline, which is in the photo below.  

On my way there and back, I passed through Dealey Plaza, in the photo below, which I learned commemorates the settling of Dallas back in the 19th Century and is named for civic leader G.B. Dealey.

Then I stopped by Thanksgiving Square to see the inside of the chapel and then stopped briefly by the Cathedral of Guadalupe.  And then I went to find a meal to take with me on the train, and I ended up at a Thai place and ordered fried rice.  I also took a look at Pioneer Square, which is in the photo below, and there is a log cabin there.

A little after 3 PM, I was back at Union Station, and shortly after 3:30, I was on the platform, awaiting the Texas Eagle #22 northbound train, with a throng of other passengers.

On the ride, I visited with my friends over the phone, while having my dinner, and then enjoyed conversing with Chloe, the lady sitting in the seat next to me.  I also listened to more of Speaking for Myself.  After settling down for the night, I stepped off the train at Little Rock a little before 1 AM to walk around briefly.

The next morning, on Monday, July 19, I awoke in southeastern Missouri.  Around 9 AM, the train arrived at the station in St. Louis, and I got off to walk around.  The Amtrak staff added two more cars to the train, and then it filled up with a load of new passengers.  By 10 AM or so, we crossed the Mississippi River and headed toward Alton, and then northward through Illinois.  The fields were bathed in warm summer sunshine.

Above is the railroad bridge over the Mississippi River. Below is a view of the St. Louis skyline.  Both photos are from the Illinois side.

At Springfield, a WCIA news crew from the Champaign/Urbana area was filming footage on the platform and they interviewed Kenyatta, one of the car attendants working the coach cars on the train, though I never got the full answer of why.  (Later, I discovered this video, which features footage of the train I was on, though I don't appear in it.  However, it shows Kenyatta.)

Above is a view of the Illinois State Capitol building.  Below is the news crew at the Springfield Amtrak station.

The smiley face water tower is in Atlanta, IL.

The LaGrange Road Bridge, which I usually cross twice daily during my commutes between home and work.

Harlem Avenue Bridge

Here's the view of the Chicago skyline as the train crosses over Canal Street. Below is Connie's Pizza.

Here's my seat on the train.

We arrived at Chicago Union Station around 4:45.  

Here's the train parked at Union Station after its arrival.

I headed off the train and out to Clinton Street, where Mom and Dad were waiting to pick me up and take me home.  As I walked outside, I couldn't help but notice the distinct contrast with much less humid conditions in Chicagoland.  I was home around 5:30 or so.

There was so much about this trip that speaks to why I am proud to be a citizen of the USA.  First of all, this trip brought the fulfillment of my wish to visit George W. Bush's presidential museum.  I admired him when he was president, in ways that I felt deep inside of me that I can't necessarily explain in words.  Now, in these years after his presidency, I can perceive him through the lens of history.  I certainly got that different perspective when I read his memoir Decision Points.  He focused the book on a select number of important decisions he made during his presidency, and even before, like his decision to cease drinking alcohol and to run for the presidency.  Each chapter was an opportunity to see into his mind.

And that's what I experienced when I visited his museum  The displays looked at different areas of policy he addressed during his presidential administration.  Even the Oval Office replica gives visitors a chance to see into his mind, by actually walking into it and even getting the chance to sit behind the Resolute Desk, a way to see what he saw as president.

It was like a dream come true to get to know President Bush even more by visiting this museum.  And it was special to do it in 2021, as he turned 75 back on July 6.  Perhaps this museum also resonated with me because I was born in the presidency of his father, George H.W. Bush, and then came of age during the George W. Bush presidency.

Thanks to the fellow visitor who photographed me by the first Bush, appearing to the right of me, and the second Bush, appearing to the left of me.

I was also glad to have the chance to visit Texas once again, reconnecting with my first visit there 8 years ago.  This time was a great opportunity to become better acquainted with Dallas, through walking around the downtown area and staying in the Oak Cliff neighborhood.  Riding the train into even just a portion of North Texas also helped acquaint me with the setting of the place where George W. Bush has lived for so many years.

Riding Amtrak to get there was another wonderful opportunity to connect with the land of the USA on a different level, traveling at a different pace, just like I did when I rode the Texas Eagle to Austin 8 years ago.  And it was a great way to continue the celebration of Amtrak's 50 Years.

Thanks to Chloe, who got the photos of me above and below on the platform during our fresh air stop at Longview, TX.

Against the backdrop of the 2nd Bush administration, I came to a greater awareness of what the USA is all about as a country.  That awareness inspired me to do my part to edify the USA.  I saw efforts of the administration to do so, like building greater respect for the preborn, and empowering faith-based programs in their work of serving their communities.  And the Bush Presidential Center continues its efforts to edify the USA and work toward solutions on issues faced throughout the world.

Reconnecting with the times that first inspired me to love and work for the good of the USA, I am reinvigorated to do my part in edifying the USA.

Thanks to the fellow visitor who photographed me as I posed in front of the Bush Center with my copy of Decision Points.

What Started 25 Years Ago in Kindergarten

When District 97 started a new school year 25 years ago around this time of year, I started a new phase in my life by entering Kindergarten.  Years ago, District 97 would often start a new school year on the Tuesday after Labor Day, and that may have very well been the case in 1996, though I haven't been able to recall or otherwise determine that definitively.

I had been in preschool for two years at Christ Lutheran Learning Center, less than a block away from home, run by Mrs. Dame, in the house across the alley.

Then in the fall of 1996, I transitioned to my time as a student in District 97 and began the 1996-97 school year at Washington Irving Elementary School, where I would be for 6 years.  I was in the Kindergarten class of the legendary Ms. Gullo, who taught Kindergarten at Irving School for over 20 years, starting with my older brother's class.  Back then, the Kindergarteners were enrolled in a half-day program.  I went to school in the afternoon hours.  

From early on, I enjoyed learning.  And Ms. Gullo had lots of activities in class to make learning fun, especially the activity stations on Fridays.  We also had a special celebration in February around St. Valentine's Day for the 100th Day of the School Year, a major memory that I recall fondly.  It seems like it's something we could have celebrated in later grades, even with something more small scale.

As we neared the holiday celebrating Pastor Martin Luther King, Jr., we spent time learning about who he was and what he did to edify the society of the United States.

It was during that school year that I began my instruction in Spanish, which I continued for many years, all the way into college.  Being Mexican, learning Spanish at that early age was the start of connecting with part of my identity.

As my years went by at Irving, I continued to enjoy learning.  There was lots that piqued my interest in classes at school, and I would sometimes read other books that furthered my learning in subjects that interested me, beyond what I learned in class.

Indeed, as I look back 25 years later on my time in Kindergarten, I see that it was a great year that laid an important foundation for my love of learning, along with the skills that would allow me to open myself to the breadth of what there all that there was in the world.

The Spirit of 1783 in 2021

Once again, it's time to celebrate the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris 1783, marking the end of the American Revolution War, and when Britain recognized the independence of the United States.

It was quite a story of events that led to that day, and the history that has unfolded since then is incredible, too.  The United States was founded upon principles of freedom that define what this country is all about.  They are principles that resonate with humanity, and so it makes sense that the history of the USA has come to incorporate so much.  The vast breadth of this land also incorporates so much as this country has expanded to embrace a wide swath of peoples, places, and cultures, enriching this country as a whole.  I appreciate the opportunities to travel throughout the USA to see what is in this land.  I'm grateful for the experience of riding Amtrak that acquaints me with this land in a special way.

There has also been movement throughout history to this land.  Recently, I watched a video on the YouTube channel of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia--a museum I'm eager to see at some point.  This video shares about a citizenship class that the museum offers to help immigrants prepare for the test as part of their naturalization process.  At one point in the video, it's mentioned that this program is unique in how it helps immigrants come to embrace their part in the story of the American Revolution and its legacy.

Indeed, it's amazing to see how our country has been enriched by people who come here, and embrace being part of the people of the United States, because there's something incredible we have that draws them.  I sense that's what makes naturalization ceremonies such a profound and moving event.

I've heard about naturalization ceremonies and I even saw a video of the ceremony held at Mount Vernon this past July 4.  I hope to attend one someday, and to even be part of helping an immigrant reach that important milestone.  It's definitely a celeration for the immigrants who become citizens, but also for us as citizens to recognize what makes this country remarkable and how people make the effort to be part of it.

So on days like September 3, as well as July 2 and 4, we have so much reason to celebrate.  May these celebrations inspire us to build upon the great foundation in place to edify this country to more fully realize the founding principles that offer something important to the world.

God bless the USA!

Still Coming Together at the Olympics of 2020-2021

Ever since I was a kid, and read lots of books about the states of the USA and countries around the world, I developed a certain fascination with Japan.  I engaged my interest further when I was in Arts and Culture class during 6th grade and learned lots more, even doing activities like calligraphy.

My interest in Japanese culture came to mind with the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo this summer.  The Olympics are an event that I find inspirational and that resonates with me a deep level, as the world comes together for something positive like sports.

I was concerned the Olympics wouldn't be held at all because of the ongoing pandemic, similar to how World Wars I and II prevented the Olympics from happening in 1916, 1940, and 1944.  I was glad that they were postponed and were still held, a year later in 2021, the year notable for the 125th anniversary of the First Modern Olympic Games in Athens.

I especially enjoy watching the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic games, since the programming is an opportunity for the host nation to showcase its identity and culture.

There was something very poetic about the Japanese national anthem.  I looked at the song's lyrics, and basically, it's an ode to the emperor, that he may have a long reign, using nature metaphors in tribute to wishes for longevity.

I was fascinated to hear the story about how the organizers of the 1964 Summer Tokyo Olympics devised a collection of symbols for all of the Olympic sporting events to help visitors unfamiliar with the Japanese language navigate.  It was fascinating to see the figures displayed as part of the opening ceremony.

I also liked seeing the artistic design representative of the iconic Mount Fuji in the Olympic stadium.  It was a marvel to see it open in a flower-like fashion to be the cauldron for the Olympic flame.

The scene was intriguing when the man at the switches turned on the lights of Tokyo, highlighting the various notable sites in the city.

During the closing ceremony, it was cool to see the musicians perform for the athletes, in the spirit of what happens in Tokyo on the streets.  One part of it was a fascinating combination of modern rhythms and the classical Beethoven melody.

And I was rather mesmerized by the video shown to promote the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  The vocals of the choristers were spellbinding that accompanied the footage of the crowd at the Eiffel Tower and the three planes flying in unison over Paris ejecting the French tricolors.

In his remarks before those gathered in Tokyo, IOC President Thomas Bach commended the athletes for the effort they exerted to qualify for and participate in the Tokyo Olympics and he also spoke about hope.  I think there was a great sense of hope that the Olympics could still happen in spite of the challenging circumstances of hosting and running the Olympics in the midst of a pandemic.  The athletes strove greatly to be part of the Olympics, each of them embarking on their own journey.

It was truly an inspiration to see the world come together as these athletes participated in spirited competition, striving to be "Faster, higher, stronger, together"--the word "together" added to the Olympic motto this year in light of the recent circumstances.

It's a beautiful reality, indeed, when we can come together and aspire together for greatness that builds up the people of the world as a whole, just like in "I Believe", performed so marvelously by Nikki Yanofsky for the 2010 Winter Olympics.  

I hope that the Olympics can continue to inspire us to come together with purpose.

Musing on Mexico

¡Viva México! ¡Viva!

Today is the bicentennial of the Treaty of Cordoba, by which Spain recognized Mexico's sovereignty, signaling an end to the independence movement that started in 1810.

While I have never been to Mexico, I strongly sense the country is part of who I am.

Its history stretches far back to ancient cultures, like the Olmecs, known for their giant head statues, one of which is at Chicago's Field Museum, and the Maya.

The Aztecs contributed significantly to Mexico's identity, as the eagle perched on the cactus with a serpent in its mouth at Lake Texcoco persists as an important symbol, especially on the Mexican flag.  Lake Texcoco became the site of Tenochtitlan.

Then the Spanish came and colonized Mexico, building a new capital for the colony, Mexico City, over Tenochtitlan. Spanish became prevalent in Mexico, even as the country today has numerous indigenous groups.  It was especially awesome to see on live TV the Mass that Pope Francis celebrated in Chiapas during his February 2016 trip to Mexico.

Then on September 16, 1810, came the cry, "El Grito de Dolores" from Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that launched the independence movement, which is recalled late in the night of September 15 in the Zocalo of Mexico City.

Years of conflict led to Mexico's independence in 1821.  A century later brought the Mexican Revolution that changed the government to give greater attention to working class people.  

The sense of striving in these various movements is apparent in the lyrics of the Mexican national hymn, which speaks about the people of Mexico committing to fight, and even die, for the country and to uphold its honor.

The reforms of the Mexican Revolution sought to curb the force of powerful institutions like the Roman Catholic Church.  Yet they also led to the oppression of the Roman Catholic Church and the faithful who only seeking to live out their faith peaceably.  Their resistance efforts led to the Cristero War, which led to multiple martyrs, some of whom have been canonized.

Roman Catholicism persists as an important part of Mexican identity, ever since the day in December 1531 when San Juan Diego saw La Virgen de Guadalupe on Tepeyac near Mexico City.  She came in the appearance of an indigenous Aztec woman, desiring to led the indigenous Mexicans to God.  I have heard the story that a BIshop in Mexico was concerned Christianity wouldn't take hold in the land unless God intervened mightily, and He certainly did, resulting in mass conversions.

For me, being Mexican and being Roman Catholic are tied very closely as part of my identity.  And that's why I make a point to attend a festive Mass annually on December 12, to celebrate la Virgen de Guadalupe and the impact she had on the Mexican people.  It's truly an occasion to celebrate and feast.

There's so much of Mexican cuisine that I enjoy, as I recall fond memories of the Mexican food my Abuela made when I was growing up and went to visit her and my Abuelo.  It's been a family custom for many years to gather and make tamales as an Advent/Christmas tradition, just as my Abuela did with her family in the years of her youth.  I've also enjoyed dishes such as sopes, tacos, and posole.

Mexican culture has a strong presence through the United States in major cities and even in more rural areas.  One place I enjoy visiting is Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, to savor the feel of Mexico in the businesses along 18th Street and also at the National Museum of Mexican Art.  The museum has a wonderful gallery showcasing Mexican history and culture.  They also do a great job with their annual exhibit for Dia de los Muertos.

So while I have yet to travel to Mexico, and I hope to do so some day, I have had so many ways that I've connected with Mexico.  And as Mexico reaches a milestone, the bicentennial of the treaty that marked a critical moment in its history, I celebrate.

¡Viva México! ¡Viva!

The Commitment

Once again, in celebration of a very important day in my life, I cross-post a reflection from my Scripture Reading Reflection blog to my Paul Ponders blog.

God, now in this age, through Jesus Christ, has made Himself known in our world.

Now, we have a choice: to follow the ways of the world, or to live committed to God.

Joshua presents this choice to the people of Israel at an assembly following their conquest of the Promised Land, and states that He will not serve the gods of the nations around them, but serve the Lord God.  The people, fully aware of all that God has done for them, declare their commitment to God.

In the Gospel reading, many people are unable to accept Christ's teaching and the idea they have to eat His flesh and drink His blood.  It's very likely the Spirit is not at work in them to embrace what Christ offers them beyond food to satisfy their physical hunger.  So they turn from following Christ and resume their former way of life.

Jesus Christ then asks the 12 apostles if they also want to leave.

St. Peter declares that they acknowledge He has the words of Eternal Life, and so they will follow Him.

Christ indeed has done so much for us, like in the spirit of what the 2nd reading says, pouring Himself out to sanctify us.

God's love for us in Christ is a great mystery, and we recognize it in the marriage commitment of husband and wife to love each other, a sign of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

As people of faith, we are all called to similarly make a commitment.

It is a decision of whether or not we'll be obedient to the One Who has the words of Eternal Life and has sacrificed Himself for us.

And we must decide to affirm our relationship with God day after day.

I remember being presented with this choice 12 years ago on Sunday, August 23, 2009, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time that year.  I heard these readings proclaimed at the first Mass I attended at the St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Student Center the day after moving to Valparaiso University.  In a new setting, I was invited to commit myself to follow the ways of faith even in circumstances unlike anything I knew before in my life.

Yet I saw God's goodness fully revealed in the community of St. Teresa's that was ready to support me in my pursuits as a student and in my walk of faith.  So I gladly committed myself to living out faith, and to continue growing in it, which has led me on quite a journey to this very day, as we cycle back in the 3-year cycle to these readings and they speak to us anew.