Word for the day: HOME! Mi Casa es tu Casa!- I My daughter is such a wonderful host, that her place is beginning to feel like home. I took the train back from Zaragoza to Barcelona today. The European trains are so fast and slick and wonderful. I think it’s interesting that in the US we are focusing on electric cars 🚘, but really do very little to support public transportation.
In Barcelona, the bikes are reserved for residents, so they use them for transportation. They have reduced bus/transit prices to encourage folks to use public transportation. I always have found it ironic that California has been a leader in reducing emissions. Yet, they can’t even get a fast train between San Francisco and LA! I believe we still are beholden to big oil. They never seem to lose their profit margin.
Home is defined as a place where one lives permanently. I like to define home as a place where one feels comfortable and supported. I have been blessed in that I have always had a place to call home. But what about the homeless? Those displaced by war? Natural or unnatural disasters? Those searching for a better life? Or those who are lost, and even though they may have a permanent place, it is not HOME!
Do think Jesus would call any of these tributes to Him H HOME?
Beautiful, yes! But do they speak to the message of Jesus? To live simply, help the poor, comfort the sick! Somehow, I see Jesus in these places:
A quaint shelter in the hills. Perhaps similar to the stable where he was born.
In the travelers’ bags?
In the travelers’ shoes. These so reminded me of the shoes in the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.
Where was Jesus during this and so many other atrocities? He was allowing us free choice! And too many of us sat on the sidelines then. And we continue to sit on the sidelines now; as war rages in Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia, and so many places around the world! Famine, starvation, and stark poverty!
The small flats and other small places people (and dogs, if you look closely) call home!
Always in nature, calling out to us for peace!
In the lives of parents and children making their way!
In family! Andrea, Lola and Eileen sharing love 💗
In the hospital beds at Mary Magdalene in Loyola and throughout the world!
In huts, rock formations, the rock of our world!
In flowers. As Claude Monet said, “I must have flowers 💐. Always and always!”
In the children. Perhaps these cherubs will become fishers of men and women. Jesus’ first disciples were fishermen. Simple, hard working individuals. Who were somehow willing to give it all up and follow this man who spoke and acted in a new radical way! Who else would turn the tables in the temple? Heal lepers?Stand up for the poor and disenfranchised?
In the healing power of those who are sick or in need!
In a barefoot boy or girl looking up to heaven!
Not in castles, or fancy churches! But in humble abodes that people call HOME!
Jeez Louise!
We are now 2 weeks into our pilgrimage. And although it has not turned out as I had planned; it has helped me to realize that MY plan may not be God’s plan! And indeed, my mantra has become:
Best one yet, m’deara!!!! The pics are put in powerful proximity, …….makes a great point !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour reflections are meditations for me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHow’s Eileen doing hosting her Mom longer than expected?
You are soaking it all in and that is very fruitful.
Peace, Barbara
Some interesting thoughts and questions. Some of the questions I think we know the answer to. Others leave me absolutely stumped. And I wholeheartedly agree about the trains! This country is so far behind when it comes to that.
ReplyDeleteAllen