Preparation and Reflection

One month from now I will head to Scranton, PA for training! I’m psyched to meet the other International Jesuit Volunteers, to further prepare for my journey, and to check out the home of Michael Scott and Dunder Mifflin. Preparations are going smoothly. I just got my new Typhoid shot today (owie!) and enough back up Malaria pills to last me two years. A small pile of clothing and necessities has started to grow in the corner of my room, waiting to be packed. I’ve had lots of time to spend with family and friends, and have little trips planned to visit a few others. 

In terms of fundraising, I want to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me this far. Because of your donations, I have reached my $3,000 goal. I am equally as appreciative of your prayers! Please continue to pray for me. Spend an extra minute or two with God, say a rosary, or make a little sacrifice.

“You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13-16

It has been important for me to prepare for this trip spiritually too. Today’s Gospel reading (Mt. 5:13-16), brought me back to a beloved mountaintop in the Arizona dessert, where I served as missionary with LifeTeen last summer. So many memories of friendships, Joy, and growth are stirred up by this reading, but one reflection in particular sticks out to me now. During a homily, Fr. Thi shared this wise conversation between a father and son:

“Dad, I can bring the horse to the water, but I can’t make him drink.”

“My son, your job is not to make him drink, but to make him thirsty.”

“How do you make someone thirsty?”

“Salt.”

In this reading, Jesus calls each of us to be the salt of the earth by our lives, to let our light draw people to God. As I prepare for Belize, I ask myself these questions: How am I living out the Joy of my faith? Are there situations when I hide my faith? Who can I love better, how? Maybe these questions can be helpful for you too. "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" Mt. 5:16. Be well and Let it Shine! 

“Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.” –St. Francis of Assisi