Humiliation for the Sake of Souls

So when I signed on to be a Campus Minister, I understood that it wasn't going to be a conventional job. I knew I would have to do things that are atypical -- scrub toliets, cook meals for 30 people, even just hang out with some really awesome young adults.

But I don't remember self-humiliation being in the job description.

This past week on the job we've had a lot of special events to get the word out on campus about our ministry at the Newman Center. On Wednesday, we had a special "soda and coupon give away" in the heart of campus to advertise for our Block Party. For better or worse, we had an open microphone for an hour, cajoling students to partake in some free soda action, and telling them all about our pig roast, with a vegetarian option! Dave and I really had to call on our extroverted sides to be goofy yet approachable. We wore ridiculuous hats on our heads, and said all sorts of dorky things into the PA system. The best part was when Dave took a slurpy sip from a soda right next to the microphone. It sounded so disgusting, almost like a fart, and everyone passing by was like, "Ewwww!!" However, there was some sort of brilliance in it because a swarm of thirsty students came rushing to get their free soda.

What does this have to do with ministry, you might ask. Well, creating an atmosphere where people can be who they are can leave them more open to the voice of God working inside of them. Showing people that we aren't some stuffy Chrisitans, but joyful, normal people is a great witness to the love of Christ. Creating a comfortable atmosphere opens up the doors of our Chapel, and therefore the arms of Christ. And if creating a comfortable atmosphere means I need to make an ass out of myself. Well, call me Miss Burro.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BLESSED MOTHER!

Ok, so clearly this image doesn't really convey Mary's birthday, but I love this painting nevertheless. I think it shows beautifully two things: first, how young she was! Can you imagine being faced with an Angel ( I would poo my pants) and then he tells you you are pregnant?! Ohh, but wait, that's not all. You are carrying the Son of God. You will literally bear God and raise Him. As a young teenager, can you even fathom being approached with such news? How would you reply? And that brings me to the other things this painting reminds me of: her faithful, childlike response. She does ask a question, but she never questions God's power. She simply wants to know how it will happen. And then she gives her beautiful, wonderful "yes". She doesn't hesitate. She hears God's will and immediately responds, fulfills it. "Let it be done to me according to your word." And then....the Incarnation. Christ could not have come into this world without His mother. He could have not have died and rose for us, saving us if she had not said "yes."

My Queen, my Mother.....Happy Birthday. 2025 ish years old and still looking good! Thank you for being the mother of God, for your joyful 'yes', for being the ultimate role model, the great feminine example, for your constant intercession, and for continually guiding us back to your Son. My faithful covenant partner, I love you!

Target Fashion Catches Up With Me

While I was vigorously cleaning the Newman Center in preparation for the new semester, I got an interesting voicemail from Miss Janine. We were going to be having dinner together shortly before Mass, but she has something to check on with me first. One thing you must understand is that Janine and I share a common love of Target and frequently purchase clothing items from there. And it's not just love, but a sometimes freakish love. Her voicemail whent something like this: She hadn't brought many clothes home for the weekend, and everything she did bring back was air drying. She made a special trip to Target to buy something new to wear. She found a green dress with capped sleeves on clearance, and bought it. The dress was pretty much my favorite color, and from Target, so she wanted to check to make sure that if I did indeed own the same dress, I would not be wearing it that night. As soon as I heard her message, I started laughing. Of course I owned the dress! It was green, pretty, and from Target. But the kicker was that I was going to be changing from the sweats I had on while cleaning into it for our dinner date and for Mass. I had no other no scrub clothes with me. So I called her back saying, "Janine, you are never going to believe this!" Through her hiccup like laughs, she explained that she also had no other options for clothing to wear. After wracking our brains of what to do, we thought, the hell with it, it was hilarious, we'd just be twins for the night! Mass was not that bad, at least we knew everyone and we could explain what happened and get a laugh or two out of it. But I must admit I was a little self-conscious when we went out to eat. Seriously, if anyone was paying attention, what the heck would they think of us? We looked beyond ridiculous. At least we had accessorized differently!

Our love of Target clothing has finally betrayed us.

Lookin' good Janine, lookin' good.