Hello everyone,
It’s been a while, but welcome to the latest update. Come on in, and read on….
P.S., I will be leaving again for Ecuador on July 11, for an undetermined length of time. I’ll continue to post updates here, and you are welcome to arrange a visit along the lines of the tourism retreat I’ll mention below.
MORE ABOUT LIFE AND MISSION IN ECUADOR
The overall vision continues and hasn't changed much. It’s focused on collaborating with grace in growing new ministries and projects out of accompaniment in situations "outside the ballpark", or at the bottom of "valley". Most especially where there is encounter at the boundaries between two cultures or peoples. They are "new shoots from the roots" of the faith and social institutions that already exist - a pruning and regrowing. There's an inherent call to conversion and reconciliation into communion out of real life experiences, a return to origins for encounter and rebirth, and that takes listening first of all.
“For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.”
I’m looking at returning to Ecuador soon, starting in Mindo, where there are encounters between the cultures and lifestyles across the North-South global divide. The emphasis will again include language and culture, but also the spiritual life in the Gospel. The mystery of the cross of Christ is the foundation for all the communion we look for, and so I’m aiming to bring forward more the spiritual reflections and workshops and retreats, as well as teaching and groups, that come forth from accompaniment. It’s the mystery of Christ that takes us back to our origins to rise again in renewed relationships and identity and purpose.
CURRENT EVENTS IN ECUADOR
The social, economic, and political situation in Ecuador continues to be very difficult. The current president is being impeached by the national assembly, and the president has in turn declared “la muerte cruzada”, which is the power of the president to dissolve the assembly and establish new elections for both president and all the assembly, if he is being impeached. The informal poll in the Quito newspaper seems to indicate that the readers are overwhelmingly in approval.
But the whole economic-socio-political situation has forced higher than usual migration in search of economic opportunity - in fact, more than I have ever seen since first going to Ecuador 13 years ago. One of those migrations is actual physical migration out of the country. Another is a migration of industry, toward criminal activity. And the narcotrafficking industry has been bolstered by the economic difficulties since 2020.
We may not think so much about how our industries here in the US shape the economies of countries that are less materially developed. Having raw materials, but lacking the sophisticated development maturity and means to organize, appropriate, and develop these into products, small developing countries are very much responsive to the money - and the supplies and demands - in countries like the US. There is an economic chain from the small raw suppliers (in countries like Ecuador) to the large economies (like the US). When you see physical migration, it means people want to be in the larger, more stable places where wealth is concentrated and continues to be drawn in. People want to escape the social valleys and make it up the mountains.
In this way, everyone in the US - you and me - either increases these pressures or reduces them, by every way that we operate within our system. There is no middle ground. As long as we are only doing what is good for our personal, local economy, and don’t consider the broader vision of what is good for the development of other countries into mature, autonomous and inter-dependent neighbors, we are generating the suction that drains the institutions and resources of small countries. And we can’t avoid this responsibility, because we are consciously and willingly participating in - and befitting from - this global system (who hasn’t seen the words “Made in ____”). So, we are responsible for it, too. As long as we are only focused on getting the best prices for our goods and services, we are participators in decimating the small societies in the world. Our collective economic will makes them ask “How high” when our consumer appetites say “Jump,” because they are economically at the mercy of the wealth and money in materially over-developed societies.
Here is one example: if there were not so much extra money and wealth in the US, there would not be such a great demand for illegal drugs. But, as it is, with prosperity has come waste mixed with power, and a huge demand to consume vast amounts of goods and services. And that wealth-driven demand pressures and attracts - i.e., tempts - people experiencing scarcities to lower their values for the sake of survival or advancement. Those who do fall for it calm their bothered conscience with the satisfaction of earning a bit above their low-wealth earnings, producing and distributing those goods. Including powerful drugs. The raw materials for the drugs are grown in places like South America, and then are moved along the distribution channels up through the continents, principally to the final destination: the market of demand in the United States.
There is an ongoing battle between the government and organized narcotraffickers that has become an emergency situation along the narco-corridor in Ecuador. I am now being counseled by friends to not go to certain locations along the coast where I used to live and visit. And crime overall has expanded as the economic options have narrowed. A recent poll in El Comercio, the newspaper/media of the Quito area, revealed that about 2/3rds of Ecuadorians believe it’s not safe to go outside for a walk at night.
Now, problems in all human life receive pressures from outside as well as from inside. For example, at the individual level, any one of us has to deal with circumstances and voices outside of us that pressure us to act contrary to our good and the common good, to our deeper values. There are also conditions and voices within us that similarly apply pressure. In order to grow in life, we’re invited to encounter and reconcile those conditions and voices, and respond to them with a new step in “virtue”. In spiritual terms, we would say that God gives us all these experiences in order to elicit a response in us, so that all of life is a formation process into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. The great spiritual saints refer to this concept universally, either actively or implicitly: all the circumstances and moments of life are given by God in order to bring us more deeply into communion with him, by drawing forth from us new steps in our transformation into other “Christs”. The struggle - the battle - is both interior and exterior, and they relate one to the other.
And, importantly, they are integral to each other. For example, when exterior struggles are too few or too great, either internal presumption or despair can easily set in. And so, the wisdom of saints has always been to avoid an easy life, while putting limits to asceticism. It recognizes that the interior and exterior lives are related in a give and take influence. We know stories of people who have suffered through the most challenging circumstances imaginable, to come out with remarkable virtue. And we know of others that were overwhelmed by it all. Likewise, we know of people who had the highest of life privileges who used them them develop their own virtues (by giving them away and/or using them in the service of others.) We also know of people who have received the same privileges and really rotted in their presumption of themselves.
This interior-exterior dynamic that happens on the individual level also takes place at communal levels. Families, neighborhoods, communities and states. There is an interior struggle as well as exterior, and they are integrated. In materially under-developed countries like Ecuador, the dire circumstances forge a people with great virtue of faith, resiliency, forgiveness, and trust in community. But alongside is also a very desperate people, who see no other option for life but to sacrifice higher values for lower ones. While I am there, I (hope I) call forth the former.
And, in materially over-developed countries like the US and UK, the relative prosperity is an opportunity to grow in virtue as well, particularly the virtue of faith, generosity, temperance, and trust in God and others, among others. Privilege and wealth can be used for good, starting with the simplifying and lowering of one’s own lifestyle complexity and costs. But alongside of that is a very presumptuous people, believing only in themselves, what they can do, make or change; or what they have. Continuing to climb the mountain of life (even under the guise of faith or helping people in the valley), they presume to “already know”, and so can’t imagine how going down the mountain themselves could be considered good. While I am here in Boston, and when I write these updates, I hope I invite into the former.
So, at first glance, the current events in Ecuador may seem to be remote and very far away. But by writing about them in this newsletter, I hope you see that what is happening in places like Ecuador is very close to you and me in other parts of the world. It is, in part, the collective fruit of your and my - and many people’s - daily decisions and actions in response to the interior and exterior circumstances that God gives us each day. Violence, narco-trafficking, crime, and migration in Ecuador is due in part to Ecuadorians, and in part to everyone else, who contribute to the external pressures of a global fear-based system of mountains and valleys. We each are invited to respond to our external and internal circumstances. In every one of us, in each event of life we encounter, there is a voice deeper down that leads us how to respond. It calls, “Follow Me.”
It is an amazing blessing to simply exist, isn’t it? What a miracle it is to just be alive, to be able to live for a while on this earth as a human being! Life is an incredible gift that we have … for a time. I think we all know somehow that something is off about that. It’s not timeless. As if it’s not our ultimate home. There’s an invitation to move toward a transformation, both interior and exterior. Deep down, there’s an intuition that a bigger gift can come into reality. If we follow.
Because the gift of eternal life, of coming home, will depend on how much God recognizes His Son in us.
in Chontal
In early April, I received news that Guillermo Nogales had died. After almost a year and a half of intense suffering - for both him and his family - he died with Christ on Good Friday. Several friends here in the US offered prayers and Masses, and I was in contact with the family at a distance. I am both saddened and happy, as the mystery of life opens up again to see. Having befriended him in some of my first times in Chontal, I will miss a friend who used to chat with me on the bench in Chontal. His family, of course, will miss him more. He leaves his wife Erlinda, his sons Carlos and Benito, his daughters Gabriela and Lucia, two grandchildren, and many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Guillermo was blind for the last year and half, and I used to guide him on short walks near his bed. My prayer was always to invite everyone connected to him who had passed along the journey before us, starting with Jesus, to come and accompany him and guide him in his journey. I have hope that he has been finally led down through the cavern of death into a new rising into life - the mystery we all hope for until all is finished at the next coming of Christ. I now pray that he will accompany me and those others who accompanied him, for the rest of our journeys, until we all are together again one day.
Another senior in the pueblo, Francisco Orellana, also died recently. Always a smiling and hospitable face, I’m not sure exactly the circumstances. Like the others, he remains in my heart, and I joined in with the prayers of the pueblo for his rest into eternal life with those who have gone before us.
There have been births in Chontal, too. Diana, who opened a used clothing store while I was there last year, has given birth to a baby boy, Milan. There are other births as well, plus a number of graduations.
There is a new president of the community. At first, it was a young woman who had been president for about 5 years before. But she had to step aside because of work, and so the vice-president is now a very young woman, Lili, with less experience. Both she and Diana are in the online English pronunciation course I started.
Yes, we’ve started a short online course on English pronunciation for young adults. It’s based on the pronunciation course I had put together while last in Mindo. We have 4 learners for now, plus me (who is also learning as we go!), and I’ll review afterwards to see what next steps if any that we might take. I had thoughts of offering the course afterwards to college- and junior/senior-level high school ages in Chontal. And after that, offering it to others who are not living in Chontal, gradually expanding out. But I’ll be reviewing all that as this course unfolds, as I’m learning a lot. I charge only $6 for the residents of Chontal, which is held by the pueblo leadership until the learners and I decide how we want to use the money in service to the community.
IN Mindo
Things continue mostly the same in Mindo as well. I’m in touch from time to time with a few folks, including the family I was staying with.
ECUADOR - BOSTON
Language in Communion
As I mentioned, I have started doing some online language with Ecuadorians, starting with people in Chontal. It’s a short course that I’ve developed on English pronunciation. I’m going to evaluate it afterwards to think about next steps, including adapting the course, offering it to a broader audience, and including other native English speakers to participate. We currently are a small class, and the fees are going to be put together for a communal act of charity, that the class will decide on.
There are opportunities to participate if you are interested:
participate and/or assist in language sharing or teaching
financially contribute to join with the community effort to come together, and support the members most in need while receiving more
If either or both of these interest you, please post a comment below or feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
A Place Prepared: A Presentation for You
I had been preparing an online presentation on my last time in Ecuador, called “A Place Prepared”, and I had hoped to share it before leaving again for Ecuador. However, it doesn’t look like that will happen, but I will try to produce a video review that I can post on this site and also send out to interested people.
In the presentation, I’ll guide you virtually into my own path in my last visit to Ecuador, so you can see the people, places and experiences. Live presentations will have pauses for stories and questions and discussion. If you are interested in coming online for a virtual presentation at some point either soon or in the future, please post a comment below or feel free to contact me, and let know what days/times you prefer: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
Into the Waters: An International Immersion Visit & Retreat
If you’ve been following this journey over the past 13 years, or if you’ve just seen the site or experienced the presentation, there is an opportunity to take another step deeper into the experience and enter the path you’ve seen and heard me present. Especially, if you feel a desire to reach something deeper and more meaningful in life, and if you feel like returning to beginnings again for a while.
I’m in the process of working out the details, which you can check out by expanding the section below. If you are interested in an 9-day, guided visit to Ecuador in a small group of 4 or less, to join with me in dipping into the culture with local people, feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
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• Arrival / Urban life and roots: 3 days in the capital Quito and in Otavalo
○ Up at 9400 feet, we’ll start in Quito and immerse in the culture, including a visit to the equator and the historical center. Next, we’ll visit Otavalo, a global indigenous center.
• Rural life and roots: 2 days in Chontal, a remote rural village in the medio-Andes.
○ At about 2100 ft, in a subtropical cloud forest climate, we’ll experience the rhythm of a simpler, poor rural life, integrated into the life of the local people, including the agricultural roots of Ecuador.
• Retreat & relaxation: 3 days in Mindo, an ecotourist center for relaxation, retreat, and reflection.
○ A global bird-watching attraction, we’ll relax in lodgings very close to nature. Waterfalls, chocolate factories, butterfly farms, artisan shops and a retreat center will provide context for a time of guided reflection and discussion.
• Return: 1 day in Quito to prepare for a return
We will be traveling among the local people, by public transportation and taxis, along routes that I’ve known for years. You must make a signed commitment to stay with me at all times and follow any guidelines I present. We’ll have a period of private time each day for prayer, reflection, or relaxation.
Other notes:
• Travel: There will be some bus travel times from 2 to 6 hours in some cases, where we will see the mountain- and country-sides.
• Safety: We won’t be in the high-risk zones related to narco-trafficking and high crime.
• Health: Certain vaccinations may be suggested. Traveler’s health insurance is at one’s own discretion.
MORE ABOUT LIFE AND MISSION IN BOSTON
While I’m in Boston, you are welcome to be in touch and come and enter the type of lifestyle I live, including prayer and ministries that you see here.
I spent the Easter Triduum in the parish of a community in Fitchburg, MA. In the Diocese of Worcester, Fitchburg is a small ex-industrial city looking for a modern identity, like most similar cities. The pastor there is an old friend from the seminary, Fr. Dario. A Colombian, we lived across the hall from each other, and we spent a lot of time doing language together. He made a visit to Quito right after the Ecuadorian earthquake of 2016, bringing finances to buy a lot of supplies that we then delivered out to St. Isidro, an affected town on the coast. Anyway, I’ve been back to visit the parish, and I’m weighing whether to spend some extended time in the parish starting pastoral and intercultural ministries, including starting groups. Everything would need to come forth from a time of accompaniment, first.
LIFE AND ACCOMPANIMENT IN BOSTON
You’re invited to take steps into the lifestyle that I live, which naturally allows me to accompany people at the outskirts or “basement” of society:
“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” (Lk 9:38) I move around in life. You are welcome to stop by and visit me where I’m currently living in a basement in Roslindale, in Boston. I live simply on a low budget, about $1000/month. I shop for sales and all kids of ways to spend little. The small apartment fits my size and my belongings. I have a laptop and tablet and a few technical accessories to be able to teach online classes while traveling. I have enough clothes for the seasons, and are almost all used clothes except for interior clothes and footwear. I don’t own any vehicles except my bike, which is over 25 years old but still going well. I use that, walking, and public transportation to get around. I own an air conditioner, space heater, and dehumidifier, a few kitchen appliances, a chair-bed with bedding supplies, a small dresser, and a desk and chair and a little bit of office supplies. I cook very simple but balanced meals. Each week, I load my laundry into a bag that I strap to the back of my bike to wash in a nearby laundromat. I go grocery shopping by foot, carrying food by backpack and shopping bags.
He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:38) Every day, I am out walking on the streets and neighborhoods, as well as public transportation. As I mentioned, my lifestyle naturally puts me in contact with people at the outskirts or “basement” of society. It’s here that I see so much of God’s works of healing, freeing and lifting people up to life, in organic interactions that aren’t publicized or organized - and aren’t visible to those who look for such things.
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Lk 5:16) Prayer is knit into life for me. To me, all of life is a life lived with God as a companion, but I also spend private time with God. I daily spend some time in my apartment praying alone, but almost every day I also am out in nature with the scripture (yes, even in the city!) or in chapels praying alone with the Eucharistic presence, often exposed. From these times often come the inspirations and movements to write reflections and these updates, ideas for next steps in ministries (like everything you see in this update), and how to simply continue living with God with constant newness and deepening of our relationship.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. (Jn 14;26) I’m deeply happy living this life. That doesn’t mean that I don’t sometimes get distracted when seeing or entering into other lifestyles, especially those that I used to live or I think I could have chosen as an alternative. But I have a deep happiness and peace living this life, as I feel it’s a life shared with God and so many people that I see as treasures. It’s a life that will continue in some form even beyond the great transition of death and resurrection, into forever.
If you feel any attraction to living like anything that you’re reading, or would like to discuss anything about it, you are welcome to contact me - I’d always be glad to talk: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
PREACHING/TEACHING & WORKSHOPS
ALM: SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
Website/Blog
On the homepage of this site, you can find the latest spiritual reflections that I post to A Living Monstrance. Or, you can visit the site directly here. These reflections come from my spirituality and lifestyle, and are guideposts along the journey.
Books
I’ve also collected the reflections into a series of books, each one containing 150 reflections, in sequential order. The latest book is up to the year 2017, and I have made some progress publishing two more in the series. They’ll make it to publication some day in the next year, hopefully!
You can order any of the books by going here to Lulu.
REFLECTION TEACHING VIDEOS
I have a few series of videos, for your prayer and social life, that go further and deeper than the reflections of ALM. You may find them uplifting if you’re wondering how to pray and understand the Scriptures to find something life-changing in them; and if you’re wondering about how to sort through what is often a confusing social landscape.
Food in the Desert
This video series introduces a way to find food in the Gospels, by reading and living them in the same dynamic in which they were original created. You don’t need to be a scholar, just willing to accept and follow the same Spirit of the authors. (Spanish versions are included later in the playlist.)
A Spirituality of Equality
This video series, produced during the Great Pause of the pandemic, invites you into the village of Chontal to walk along a path of reflection about human equality from a Gospel spirituality and lifestyle. (Spanish subtitles are available on all videos.)
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION WORKSHOPS
I’m still offering a variety of workshops, for both English and Spanish speakers. They focus on life transitions by understanding, sharing and memorializing your unique personal life stories, through a small group encounter with the Christian Paschal mystery of life, death, and resurrection. If you are interested in any of them, please contact me directly: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
Re-Birth from the Pandemic
Are you experiencing confusion or anxiousness as the pandemic experience moves to the rearview mirror? The scripture is full of “40” stories: stories about rebirth. Encountering these stories together with our own can help you get back in touch with your personal journey and see a way ahead with hope.
Your Tree of Life
This is a foundational vocation discernment workshop that helps us discover more who we truly are and what we are called to do, from the root of our being. It focuses practically on ministry and/or career discernment, but the experience enters into all of life.
In the beginning creation story of Adam and Eve, the Hebrew people are invited to remember the story of origin that recalls who God made them to truly be, as well as their human weakness that can separate them from following through on this authenticity. The mystery of Christ brings us back into the original garden and gives us access to the Tree of Life. The expression of this mystery in this workshop - through basic applied principles of discernment from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola - allows us to remember our own personal True You stories that make up the core of our own tree of life, as well as those life stories that show us how the protective bark of that tree breaks down.
If you are looking for something to give you a new step in clarity, freedom, energy, and peace - to help you remember again who you really are - this workshop could be for you.
Taller Mi Pascua de Inmigración
This is a foundational workshop retreat for immigrants (now for Spanish-speakers), in which each person has the space to remember, unpack, tell, and honor their story of migration, following the testimony by the People of God of their leaving Egypt and crossing the Red Sea to begin a new stage of life with God. If you know any Spanish-speaking immigrants who you think might be interested, please feel free to send them the information flyer at the More Information button below.
RETREATS & SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Time is short before I leave, but if and when I come back, I will be offering simple spiritual accompaniment and mini-retreats.
Don’t be fooled by the expensive and comfortable. Usually in the church, spiritual accompaniment (direction) and retreats are done in a formal, comfortable place. Not only are the costs high for these places and activities, but the conditions for spiritual encounter are not so congruent with what is revealed in the Gospel. God calls us to simple things, even barren or poor places, to encounter him.
“What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? (Mt 11:7-9)
We have to come out to somewhere “outside” or “below” to encounter God. I keep it very, very simple, and work with what’s available at hand, in an organic and natural way. I’m an excellent, experienced listener and companion, and we can pray if you want, at the right time that works for you. There are three options I typically do, and which I am looking to expand to put a little more structure to, to show people how to benefit the most from our encounters.
You’re invited to come down to my basement apartment and sit and talk with me for a while. I’ll serve some instant coffee or tea, and some basic toast and butter.
I also go out for local walks. Quiet neighborhoods, around ponds, through parks. We can walk and talk.
Finally, you’re welcome to do an urban retreat. It includes travel into and out of a place conducive to and symbolic of withdrawal from life, in which we can walk and talk, or sit and talk. These can be from one to 4 hours long. Some example destinations within the city include the Arnold Arboretum, the Harbor Islands, or the Charlestown Navy yard (accessible by crossing over the harbor by ferry).
My role in life is to invite people to encounter God in the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth. I can give you guidance so you can begin to discern for yourself what happened in our encounter. There is nothing more exciting in life than to discover God and His voice for oneself, because then it’s your own personal relationship with God.
These won’t cost you any money, and very little time. But I think you’ll have a very special experience, and I’m always glad and grateful whenever anyone joins me for a while as company in my form of life with God. Send me a note if you are interested, and feel free to share this invitation: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
CULTURAL BRIDGING
I’ve been accompanying Latino immigrants in Boston in a variety of ways. I developed a short English pronunciation course, and shared it with a small group, including some of the teachers at the adult education school where I work part-time. We’ve met regularly for classes, and continue to meet for tech help, and with an eye to expand language/cultural efforts, as well as spiritual ones.
The pronunciation class went very well. I’m hoping to extend that offer to others here in Boston as Barriers to Bridges. The spiritual workshops are also on the horizon. There is certainly a great need for all these things, but I also believe a geat desire, too. It has to be managed diligently and authentically, though, bit by bit. Otherwise, the rush to push forward often leaves grace behind for the sake of short-term results…
I’ve been going to Latino Masses now and then across different places in the city, from Roslindale to the Back Bay to East Boston.
I’ve also been working at East Boston Harborside Community School again for the last 5 months. It has taken a lot of my attention. I teach basic Chromebook skills to new learners, have an advisor role for 4 ESL classes, and substitute ESL classes and well as supply admin tech support. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve been able to assist a lot of students with some pronunciation skills, and I’ll be sharing some of these ideas with staff. When I leave for Ecuador, I’ll still be in contact to see if something develops for continued work while I’m away.
I’ve also spent some time making more connections in East Boston to the various groups and resources there. I’ve learned a lot more about the immigration process in the US in the meantime.
Finally, related to all of these activities, there continue to be plans for Language in Communion, where a group is formed of mutual language and cultural sharing in faith - a bridge between people and culture. The principle obstacle continues: finding any people of Christian faith who can understand and embrace this concept. Sadly (for everyone, but frustratingly for me, too), Catholics and Christians appear to be be so formed by their pastors and clergy in a way that can’t see the basic Gospel lifestyle and mission. I find that it’s viewed as something “out there”, a novelty and something like a stumbling block to any coming together. It really calls into question whether the simple, foundational reality of the Gospel is anywhere near the center of church life.
Health
I seem to be doing very well, health wise. Firstly, I’ve lost about 15 pounds since returning in January, largely through diet. With the lighter weight, my hip hasn’t been as much a factor, and I don’t have plans yet for a hip replacement. My blood pressure has come down a bit as well, and I have no need for any medications, thankfully. The only medication I’m taking now is for the fungus in my toenails from life in rural Ecuador. I had a small cyst removed from my eyelid, and had my first eye exam in almost 4 years, which resulted in new glasses with a slight change in prescription. My eye pressure was a little high, though. Finally, I had my first dental tooth cleaning in years, and as it turned out the dental assistant was from Cuenca, Ecuador. We had a good conversation. In any case, I feel just as healthy as before going to Ecuador last year. I have an annual physical later in June, so we’ll see how that turns out.
Financials
There are no significant changes in the B2B financial situation. Last year showed a slight profit of less than $400. Below are the links to the financials.
When I travel, I’ll again include a list of my monthly expenses here. As noted last year, these will be *personal* expenses that don't show up on the B2B ledger.
Here are the 2023 financials for Barriers to Bridges (I’m still working on updating the balance sheet). Again, a big thank you to those who regularly make gifts, no matter who small. It's much appreciated.
Other Stuff
I’ll include more here when I update from Ecuador.
Reflection & Vision
Nothing’s changed about the overall vision: “From the USA to Ecuador, reconciling barriers into bridges as brothers and sisters in God's family.” The sacrificial reconciling mission of love and mercy of Christ. But new steps in maturity have been made! You may notice other dimensions showing up in this update.
When I get to Ecuador, I’ll pick up where I’ve left off, and then some. I plan on basing again in Mindo and visiting Chontal, as well as other locations. With new steps here in Boston in gathering vision, in developing language in communion and spiritual workshops, I sense another step in integrating presence and activity in Boston with that in Ecuador. I hope that’s visible in this update, and I hope to present more the next time.
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I can still remember the days. It was 2003, and things were going on inside of me, big changes were happening. I was leaving my job where I had worked for seven years in engineering. I had left a significant romantic relationship, and I was leaving behind my money and my condo. I was leaving everything behind. Why the insanity? Because I had found this experience of love of God, Jesus and his forgiveness. I knew that I had to leave everything, because something - Someone - much bigger, deeper, and important was calling me out.
I remember wandering around in the streets, out in nature, in churches and monasteries, in different places outside of everything, beginning a whole different life but not knowing where it would all go. As I saw other people moving along in their church careers, I wanted to get going, too! But little did I know that I had already done something so important for everyone else.
I prepared the way.
We all need an example to show them a way to step out of life to be with God. And that's what God does with me. Underneath everything I do, is the invitation to come away from life, back to origins to encounter Christ. If you read or listen to a reflection, or visit with me, or join in a workshop or group, you have a way prepared for you to respond to God's call to encounter.
John the Baptist's special role was simple, but very important. Prepare the way. And that was done by stepping out of life and living outside of everything, encountering God. His life outside of everything gave people the confidence to do the same: to leave Jerusalem and head down into the Jordan River to get baptized. It gave people freedom to begin a new life outside. He prepared the way for people to respond to God's call to come to Jesus. If John hadn't lived his life, how many people would have responded to Jesus and his invitations?
You may wonder what God has planned for your life. Maybe there is a nudge of yearning inside that is looking for something more in life. Having more of an effect or impact, or meaning, or peace. Or, it may seem like too big of a rock to turn over. But, leaving behind your social, financial, and health security, stepping away from everything to respond to God's call in the heart, that is a big, big thing. It's simple, but very important.
And it has a big effect on other people.
Everyone is invited to this.
And you can prepare the way.
"And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins." (Lk 1:76-77)
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“Come, follow me.”
Closing
You are invited to come down. Feel free to comment or reach out anytime.
I'll post again when it's time.
-Jerome