LEARNING TO LISTEN

Friday, July 17

Today's Journey

Today the team travels from Antigua to San Marcos La Laguna, a Kaqchikel-speaking Maya community on the shores of Lake Atitlán, where they will spend the week at Casa Kotz'i'j Pa' Tak Abäj (House of Flowers among the Rocks). Along the way, they'll visit the ruins of the ancient Kaqchikel Maya capital of Iximche'.

Why This Matters

Before our team begins working alongside ODIM, they first spend time learning about the people and places that will welcome them.

Today's visit to Iximché, the ancient Kaqchikel Maya capital, and arrival in San Marcos La Laguna are reminders that Guatemala has a rich history, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and deep traditions that long predate our visit. Mission begins with understanding and honoring that story.

That's why today's reflection invites our team to approach this week with humility. Father Dean Brackley encourages missioners to have "the courage to listen," "the courage to receive," and "the courage to make a friend." Before we can serve faithfully, we first learn to become good guests.

Reflection

Father Dean Brackley, S. J. message to foreign visitors, especially missioners.

“I invite you to discover your vocation in downward mobility.  It's a scary request...  The world is obsessed with wealth and security and upward mobility and prestige.  But let us teach solidarity, walking with the victims, serving, and loving.  I offer this for you to consider - downward mobility.  And I would say in this enterprise there is a great deal of hope.

”Have the courage to lose control.

Have the courage to feel useless.

Have the courage to listen.

Have the courage to receive.

Have the courage to let your heart be broken.

Have the courage to feel.

Have the courage to fall in love.

Have the courage to get ruined for life.

Have the courage to make a friend.”