When some people speak

At the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus called some to work with him.  Ever since that day, we have been listening.  His voice speaks as loudly and clearly today as it did so many centuries ago ... guiding us as we seek his wisdom and leadership.  He himself uses us (and others like us) to speak his truths to today's society.  Who knows whether he's not calling you to use your talents too to spread his good news.

Listen in or read on for this week's reflection:

Speak with authority

In a few days’ time, we will bid farewell to Noel Simard.  For the past four years, he has been living in this city and assisting Bishop Plouffe with the management of the diocese.  During these last few years, those of us who have had the privilege to work closely with Bishop Simard have found in him a man of great wisdom, a man of compassion, a man who knows how to relate to people, and a man who knows how to balance the demands of work with a deep appreciation for family, friends and laughter.  He possesses the great gift of being able to integrate empirical knowledge with the wisdom that comes only from having spent time in prayer.  Because of this, when he speaks, people listen, because we recognize that his words carry an authority that speaks to the heart.

Throughout our history, other great orators and well respected individuals have possessed this gift.  King George VI of England, Sir Winston Churchill and John Diefenbaker all knew how to speak to nations with words that could rally forces and give them a common purpose at a time when they needed it most.  Saint Theresa of Avila and Saint Robert Belarmine used the powers of speech and wisdom to convince the leadership of their day to seek unity rather than division.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta and John Paul II combined their talents for oration with wisdom born out of much struggle balanced with prayer to speak simple but profound truths to the people of their time.

For millennia, the Jewish people have recognized the wisdom spoken by Moses, a wisdom repeated for us in today’s first reading.  Called by God to lead his people into the Promised Land, Moses had to find words which would help them to see that they had a common purpose.  Moses had to find words to echo truths that would speak to their hearts.  Thank goodness he did, otherwise his words would never have been written down and we may never have heard of him.  Moses knew that the key to his words was his ability to trust in God, to look to God for guidance, and to echo the words he himself heard in prayer.  Today’s first reading shows us that he also recognized that his words would not be the last spoken in the story: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet … you shall heed such a Prophet.

After the time of Moses, there were a number of prophets, each of whom spoke wisdom to his time.  In the fullness of time, God then sent his Son, and Jesus too spoke truths to those who would listen.  In fact, some were so taken with his words that they were astonished by his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority.  The recorded words we know as having been attributed to Jesus were not technical or convoluted.  In fact, it was their very simplicity that made them so powerful.  Jesus used simple every-day images and examples like lost coins, mustard bushes and the fish in the sea to speak about the truths of the Father’s Kingdom.  His teachings were not just words well crafted though.  They carried with them a truth that rang in the ears and hearts of his listeners.

In the early part of the first century A.D., Jesus’ listeners didn’t have the benefit of modern medicine to diagnose or to heal mental illness.  Instead, they referred to the malady as an unclean spirit.  I don’t know of anyone in our time who can command such a spirit to come out of another person, but there are doctors in our time who combine their talents for diagnosing a problem with their ability to assess a situation and then find a way to treat the problem: sometimes with medicine and other times with alternative means.

Perhaps Jesus didn’t have the benefits of modern medicine at his disposal, but he did have the ability to listen compassionately.  He knew how to use the power of words to speak not only to the intellect but more importantly to the heart.  He still does it today as he calls some of us to take positions of leadership within the Church and in our world.  He still speaks with authority when we recognize his words of compassion, encouragement, understanding and love spoken in the significant and not so remembered moments of our lives.

How was the party: the décor

Ever since last Monday, there has been a buzz about how the party went.  Those who were there are still talking about what a success it was, and those who missed it are wondering when the next one will be held.

Some of the pictures from the festivities will be made available on poster boards this weekend in the parish where I am assigned, but unfortunately, there's not enough room for all of them.  Instead, I'll try to post at least a few of them here, in a series of posts, so that others can get a glimpse of what it was like.

Thanks to some very talented decorators, our parish hall was transformed.  Many elements of oriental design were incorporated into this evening's décor:

Each place setting included elements of both Western and Oriental design and functionality.  We also provided lucky money envelopes for each of our guests.  Although these are traditionally used to give gifts to children within the household, we chose to use them as an option for people to consider donating to our parish's Building Fund.  Thanks to all those who used them.

A few strategically placed fans helped to add another element to the décor.  Hand-held fans are an integral part of life in China.  Almost everyone, from the poorest peasant to the most afluent 'woman of leisure' can afford to carry a fan for practical and not so practical reasons.

Paper lanterns and even dragons are often used in the décor for the Spring Festival.  Especially since this is the Year of the Dragon, we needed to incorporate these images in our décor as well, even though the version of our dragon looked as though he had only recently been hatched:

Flowers are also typically used to symbolize the coming of Spring.  Since the New Year celebration also is known as the Spring Festival, it was fitting that we should use orchids to adorn the space used for this festival as well.

Red sheets of paper are commonly used to decorate homes in China for this Festival, and it is customary to write words of greeting and prosperity on the sheets as well.  These words were spread throughout the room, complete with their English-language equivalents printed for all to see.

Table cards providing the details of the menu for the evening's meal, and centre pieces based on the concepts of Feng Shui (incorporating elements of earth, water, wind and fire) were also added to enhance the experience of our diners.

As an added bonus, even the washrooms were decorated to fit the theme of the evening.

One of the local mercants even donated packages of soap leaves which were incorporated into this design for the benefit of our guests.

Having set the scene, we were ready to welcome our guests.

Who to trust

I popped in for a visit at the elementary school this morning.  In hand, I took with me a bag full of Fortune Cookies.  As it turns out, they were here for the recent celebration of Chinese New Year, but never made it out to the tables where our guests were seated, so I thought that it would be wise to share them with the students.

As it turns out, today was not about visiting with students (at least not in the usual manner).  Instead, I had a wonderful visit with the staff.  Before this visit though, I had a momentary encounter with one student who found himself sitting next to me for a few moments.  The look on his face told me that he was deep in thought, perhaps about the reasons why he was sitting where he was.

I ventured to ask how he was doing and he answered in a rather dejected tone: Not well.  The conversation that ensued was relatively stilted.  I knew that he wasn't going to tell me much, at least not unless there was some level of trust established first.  It wasn`t long before I noticed that he was cracking his neck (usually a sign of nervous energy), and I took this as an invitation to start a conversation about the fact that I too crack my knuckles.  Although still stilted, we did make our way through the conversation, speaking about the effects of this habit (including the possiblity of developing arthritis).  He almost appeared to be proud to show me how he could crack not only his fingers and his neck, but also his back, his ankles, and other joints in his body.

Before our conversation had drawn to a close, his teachers' aid arrived, accompanied by the school principal.  Our conversation came to an abrupt halt as the curtain of recognition seemed to be drawn to a swift close.  As he left the room, returning to class, I made sure to say goodbye, in hopes that a little bridge of hope might be maintained.

Trust is a very fragile thing.  Who knows whether this encounter will lead to further conversations.  Who knows whether there will be other opportunities.  For some in the world, there are very few such encounters, and the less there are, the more difficult it is to learn how to trust, but hope springs eternal because every child is a unique creation.  Every child deserves a chance to make a difference.  Thankfully, for this one child, there are teachers who care deeply about who he is, and about who he can become.  If only we could convince him of this truth, perhaps he could begin to believe in himself.

A word of thanks

By all reports, Monday evening's feast was a huge success.  From the moment that our guests arrived, they were wowed by the atmosphere that had been created.  No detail of the décor was overlooked, including napkins, chopsticks, cutlery (for the non-adventurous) and even table cards outlining the menu for the evening.

The professionalism of the evening continued in the persons of a group of high school youth who volunteered to be our wait staff.  Dressed in classic black, they added a definite note of elegance to the experience.  Students also staffed the coat check and even took tickets at the door.  Behind the scenes, there was a team of adults who were busy tending to the final details of the food preparation.

Upon their arrival, guests were invited to approach a punch bar, which throughout the night also boasted a variety of teas (green, black and red) as well as coffee for the dessert course.

A night of such magnitude doesn't happen without attention to the finer details; nor does it happen without many hands pitching in.  For all the hours contributed, for all the enthusiasm and for all the dedication to the success of this endeavour, a sincere thank you to all those who helped in small and not so small ways.

An oriental feast

When some of our guests arrived for Monday evening's feast, perhaps they were expecting to see a buffet cart, or at the very least, a series of warmers or chafing dishes.  Instead, we offered a five-course meal.  Every course was prepared with the belief that especially during the New Year celebration, abundance is a sign of great blessing.

First Course
It seems that no Chinese meal, and certainly no feast would be complete without a soup course.  For tonight's meal, we offered a mushroom Hot and Sour soup, and we offered an alternative in the form of a Chicken Corn soup.  This course was served in individual bowls, and our guests could choose which of the soups they preferred to sample. 

Second Course
Central to oriental cuisine is the dumpling.  For tonight's meal, we offered a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.  On the plate (or plates as it were) we had prepared Vietnamese Cha Gio (Spring Rolls), Goi Cuon (Summer Rolls) and Chinese Gyoza (otherwise known as Pot Stickers).  Accompanying the dumplings, we offered three dipping sauces, one for each of the dumplings and rolls.

Third Course
Although many might believe that pasta was invented by the Italians, the truth is that pasta existed in China many centuries before it was 'imported' to Italy.  On the menu for our feast, we offered a Chow Mein (a mixture of egg noodles, chicken, sausage and vegetables).  For presentation of this dish, we also added a variety of colourful shrimp chips.

Fourth Course
In many parts of China, people cannot afford to eat anything but vegetables, or perhaps a bit of seafood if it is easily available, but during the celebration of the Spring Festival no expenses are spared, including the treasured meat dishes.  For this meal, we offered a Five Spice-marinated Pork Loin accompanied by steamed Bok Choy and Jasmine rice. 

Fifth Course
Desserts are not very well known in China, however even this course can be presented for the waiting palate.  The final course for this feast was Dan Tat: egg custard tarts, accompanied by Orange cream and squares of Coconut, Mango and Taro gelatin.  To understand the extent of hospitality offered by this course, one must understand that eggs are not a normal part of the daily diet in China, however no expense is spared when celebration is in the air.

This Oriental Feast provided an opportunity for leisurely dining and for learning about the importance of the Spring Festival for all those who wish one another luck and fortune for a Happy New Year of the Water Dragon.

Gung hei fat choi

In China, and across the world, millions have been travelling for miles (or kilometers) to reach their homes in time for the two-week celebration of Chinese New Year.  On Monday evening of this week, the party began.

According to tradition, families gather for a meal which is shared on the first night of the festival, and then throughout the next two weeks, other visits and meals are shared among friends and extended family.  It is customary that even the poorest farmer must offer some hospitality to any visitor who happens by, even as simple as a cup of tea and a sweet or a dumpling.

The celebration of the Spring Festival also takes place in countries other than China, including in Vietnam, where the greeting of choice is chuc mung nam moi.  Three years ago, we welcomed a group of Vietnamese who arrived at our doorstep, having recently arrived from their homeland to work in this city.  Over the past number of years, we have had the privilege of getting to know them, and of learning about the traditions that are important to them, including the celebration of the New Year / Spring Festival.

On the first evening of the Festival, our parish hall was transformed into a place of celebration.  It is customary that along with wishes of Happy New Year, hopes for peace, joy, good luck and prosperity are expressed.

Monday night's décor expressed Chinese cultural tradition.  During the New Year celebrations, Chinese households are decorated with signs and posters, traditionally painted in black ink on lucky red paper, and the word foo (which means good luck and happiness) figures prominently among the symbols customarily used.  Flowers are used to adorn homes and to indicate the coming of Spring.  The colour red is important in Chinese culture as a symbol of prosperity.

Paper lanterns are hung, and dragon figures and symbols are used in decorations.  On the first evening of the Festival, the family sits together for dinner and enjoys a beautiful New Year feast.

One of the popular Chinese New Year traditions is the presentation of gifts to young children as symbols of good luck and prosperity.  Adults present red envelopes filled with money to their children, relatives and friends.  Since our celebration was also a fundraising effort for our building fund, lucky red envelopes were placed on our tables, and guests were invited to use them to donate toward the fruition of the tower renovation.  Of course, the donor of money, who placed funds in these red envelopes would do so in hope of gaining further luck and prosperity in the coming year.

At the centre of each table, we placed elements of Feng Shui (water, earth, fire and wind) all of which are central to Chinese daily life, functioning, health and good luck.

On vocation

What makes someone today want to follow in the footsteps of the Master?  Dare we to believe that the answer lies in the same place as it always has ... hearing the call, listening for guidance, and daring to respond in faith.  The classic role model: Jesus' call issued to the disciples of his time, is repeated in today's scriptures.

Here's my take on how to interpret it for today.  As always, it's available in podcast and text version:

Catch their attention

In the readings we have heard, both this Sunday and last, there is a common theme: they all speak of vocations.  Last Sunday, the scriptures spoke of the call of Samuel and about Jesus’ invitation issued to John’s disciples.  In today’s gospel, Jesus invites fishermen from the seashore to leave their nets and follow him, and in the first reading, we heard some the details of the call of the prophet Jonah.

Before reciting the Angelus after last Sunday’s morning Mass in the Vatican, the holy Father used the example of Samuel and the call of John’s disciples to speak of the importance of the role of a spiritual director, one who is able to accompany us in faith, helping us to listen to the voice of God, helping us to discern the call that is offered, helping us to perceive how we are being invited to be disciples in the world.

Each vocation, each call from God is an intimate, personal invitation which is gentle enough to reassure the questioning and seeking heart, and confident enough to hold a note of promise.  One of the characteristics of an authentic call to vocation is that it often begins as a gentle whisper, difficult at times to hear because of other more dominant voices, but persistent enough that eventually, when the promises of the more dominant voices prove to be shallow, the whisper is still there.

This whisper sometimes invites us to radical change.  It must have been difficult for Simon and Andrew to believe the words spoken by Jesus: Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of my people.  These were fishermen, accustomed to setting out in their boats, to casting nets, to hauling in the bounty of the sea.  The imagery of Jesus words must have made them sit up and listen, or at the very least, it made them curious about what he might mean.  In any case, it was enough for them to leave their boats, to walk away from the livelihood they had known, and to embark on a new road. 

Another of the characteristics of an authentic call of this nature is that it often challenges us to grow, by inviting us to consider something we’ve never considered before, or something that we’ve always thought of as beyond our reach.  The prophet Jonah was still a young boy, when the word of the Lord came to him: Get up, go to Nieveh.  Here again, the invitation might have seemed to him to be something well beyond his wildest imaginings.  Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, so the voice of one young boy would have seemed rather insignificant, yet God asked him to call out a warning, and they listened.

Children in our elementary schools look up to the adults in their lives, especially those who are sincerely concerned for their wellbeing.  Teenagers in our high schools can quickly decipher the peers and adults in their lives who are genuinely committed to helping them to become all they can be.  There is a truth at the heart of discernment that cuts through all the layers of life, through every smoke screen that can ever be erected.  This truth speaks to the heart.  This truth inspires confidence.  This truth is the heart of every authentic call to vocation, whether that is for a poet to write, for a musician to sing, for an artist to paint, for a craftsman to craft, or for a disciple to put down his fishing net and follow in the footsteps of an itinerant preacher who calls him to a new stage in life.

Today, if this truth is being spoken in our hearts, we must not ignore it.  We must listen to it.  We must follow it, even if it calls us to leave everything behind.  The Sea of Galilee, upon which these first disciples were fishermen, is today all but void of fish, yet the words spoken by Jesus and by his disciples, the example of their actions and the lives they gave to spreading the gospel still speak to our generation.  In quiet and not so quiet voices, Jesus still calls to the hearts of today’s disciples, Come, follow me and I will make you fishers, miners, artists and craftsmen of and for my people.  The question is, what will it take for him to catch our attention?