“GO AND INVITE EVERYONE TO THE BANQUET”
The image represents the feet of the Risen Jesus, in motion, showing the wounds of his Passion, yet ready to reach out and invite all to the banquet of his mercy. Likewise, Jesus invites to us to his mission in co-responsibility to bear witness to the power of his resurrection and to bring Jesus’ message of peace and fraternity to the whole world.
MISSION IS FUN
I JUST HAD TO LEARN FROM THEM
BY FR JALVER LIZCANO MCCJ
EVERY SATURDAY, after breakfast, I would take my backpack and go to the Alto de Cazuca, located at the southwest outskirts of the capital Bogota, to carry out some activities which I had organized for the children of that area. Families displaced due to the armed conflict had come to those cold mountains from other areas of the country, especially from the Atlantic coast, with its so-called Caribbean heat and flavor. They were forced to live in situations characterized by several contrasts: they came from a plateau territory with temperatures ranging between 32-35⁰ to this mountainous region with temperatures around 21⁰; they now found themselves in a city full of cars and buildings, while in their homeland they roamed the countryside with its natural vegetation.
On Saturdays and Sundays, I used to meet these children. Before arriving at the house we had rented, and disembarking from my public transport, I used to hear from afar the music and the children singing and encouraging each other to join in the dance. Upon arriving, they would invite me to take part in the dance and the feast, against the sound of the rhythm of the bass drum, the guasa, and the maracas, typical instruments of their region. After 10 minutes, I would sit them down to start my planned activities, not realizing that these children, miles away from their homeland, didn’t need puzzles or coloring paper, nor listening to stories or watching videos, nor reflecting on boring questions.
Their shared dances, songs, and traditional rhythms awakened joy in them. Their artistic displays helped me discover their vision of life. After a few weeks, I realized that those children with their many talents taught me and all those who came into contact with them more than any activity I could organize. It was the best way to get them to reflect on their values and then to live, pray, and celebrate together in accordance with their true identity and their roots.
A SPICY EXPERIENCE
Mexico is a country well-known for its hot and spicy food, particularly in the highlands of Guerrero, a state located on the Southwest coast.