This has by far has been the most viewed post on my blog. Vasquez Rocks: Easter post I believe I need to give an 2011 update. Been regular with church and I’ve even been asked to be Godfather for niece’s cousin. It is an honor to be asked. It will be second time. Looked up the duties of being a Godfather and it’s not like the Al Pacino or Marlon Brandon movies. It says to be in responsible for the spiritual development of your charge.
In a ways, it is like Qi-Gong and Obi Wan Kenobi. Like Yoda and Luke. Jedi and Padawan. Its great honor and great responsibility. It reminds of time when I was asked to be a mentor in my fraternity from the pledge class. His name is Syed. A great guy. The task of taking someone under your wing to show them the ropes.
Spiritual development requires certain sacrifices. It means being ready and to be a model. It means to expect, than inspect certain behaviors. Two days ago, I was called by the one of the fathers asking if I would be attending Priestly Vocation dinner. Honestly, I have thought about it. Really, I have got a ways to go before making a commitment like that. When I brought it up to someone as joke and as a way to gauge another’s reaction, it surprised me when he said, “Why not? I could see you doing that.” It really surprised and it got me thinking.
A lot has happened, since Easter last year. My attitude and my belief system has been developing. Precepts I held strong, I’ve begun to question. Been reading the Bible study guide and visiting churches and missions whenever I can. Been exploring the realm of religion and its meaning. I’ve been asked to dinner and my heart has been opened.
Been making real efforts to be more with family. Visiting when I can and reaching out all the time. Projects important to me is a family tree. Scanning photos, updating charts, and attending parties. Had a few friend’s parents pass away and I think of my uncles and aunts whose hair has been graying and running away. They have been my guides, my mentors. Now it is my turn.
When I think of Easter, I think of ACE Catholicism. Ash Wednesday, Christmas and Easter. I think of the time of sacrifice and Lent. I think of Passover and the story of Pesach post. I think of the egg tosses at family get-togethers and climbing Vasquez Rocks. The story of the Passion and the parallelism and meaning of the entire story. Easter celebration I discovered is a season long celebration. A time of regeneration and Hope.
When I think of Vasquez Rocks and Easter, it marks a measure of spiritual development. I was asked on Easter Day to be a Godfather. Wow, much has changed since I was here last. We are not given things we can not handle. Always felt that and now its time to put it to the test. Need to prepare myself for another to grow and develop.
Today, I went birthday buffet. Two of my cousin’s kids came up to me and gave me a hug. Out of the blue. One still doesn’t have my name down, but looking into his eyes, he knows me. Another, she’s got personality and demands attention.
Read in one of my FB friend’s notes. She had a variation of the Defense of God argument. Defense of Big Smile post In her note, a student and professor were debating the existence of the Big Smile. At one point, it was asked. Has anyone seen the professor’s brain? After the classroom laughter, the student asked, “Has anyone seen, touched, felt, smelled, heard, tasted the professor’s brain?” Class, responded, “No, then according to the rules of deduction then your brain doesn’t exist.” Same logic used to by the professor to disprove God is the same logic used to disprove the professor has a brain. It’s not a game of “I got you”; it’s just the discovery of flaw of reasoning and false premises.
My role as Godfather to my charge is develop the skills and tools for spiritual development. Easter, I’ve learned so much that I know that I know so little. Abs, Pops, Jes—Thank you for considering me and I will do my best to train this young one.
