Sr. Anie Montejo arrived in Brazil for the first time in mid-April. In the following article she shares some of her reflections as she adapts to her new mission.
The Road to Emmaus
Scripture points to the significance of the road as a symbol of journey in Jesus’ life. It was on the road that Jesus taught, healed and carried out his ministry. Reflecting on this, I can see that in our time we also learn many things on the road that is life. I feel that I am also on the road to Emmaus as I continue to deepen my understanding of my Christian vocation.
In the story of the Road to Emmaues (LK 24:13-35), the disciples of Jesus were discussing what had happened in Jerusalem (Jesus’ death and resurrection) when Jesus joined their conversation and they did not recognize him. The phrase that strikes me in this story is the question that the disciples asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have been happening there these last few days?”
As I reflect on this phrase I feel a call to be mindful. Of what ought one to be mindful at this time? A good look at our world today shows that we face many challenges: violence, environmental issues, poverty, land disputes and so much more. Am I the only a visitor in Brazil who doesn’t know what is happening here? It is an invitation for me to explore the culture and the lifestyle of the people.
In the story, the disciples invited Jesus to stay with them and eventually they did recognize who it was who was speaking with them. How often does Jesus talk with us on the road of our own lives?
Right now, my own road is leading me to explore the culture of Brazil. It’s a journey full of fun and learning. A little while ago we were invited to a big celebration for a woman who is a close friend of the OLM sisters here in Brazil. It began with the celebration of the Eucharist, led by three Bishops and five Priests. The liturgy was so rich in symbols and so alive with drummers and a flutist playing. There were also five young women who offered a liturgical dance each wearing one of the four colours of native peoples: white, red, yellow and black, to symbolize the four directions of the earth. The fifth woman was wearing green to symbolize the Earth itself. The church was full of people whom this woman encountered in her 60 year journey of life which includes many long years of work and 40 years of marriage. She was recognized as a good mother, a friend, and wonderful co-worker for so many. Her achievements were reflected in the large number of people who had come out to celebrate with her. Looking back on all of this I hear a call for us to become more mindful of what is happening to our companions on the journey – the human ones and the other- than- human ones. Am I the only visitor in Jerusalem that doesn’t know the things that are happening to the Universe? I hear a challenge to be more mindful of all the tiny events of life happening around me at each moment.
My own road to Emmaus right now is challenging, but full of fun too. I enjoy learning Portuguese and discovering the lifestyle of the people in Brazil. As a stranger in this land, I can feel the hand of God leading me on the road to my destination of making this place and these people my home.