Man...was I ever smacked in the face with those four values last night! It was wild. My community, along with the JV community of Oakland, were invited for mass and dinner at the Jesuit Residence of Oakland. 6 Jesuit priests live there together in intentional community. They all have different vocations...among them a community organizer, a peace activist, a doctor, a professor at UC Berkeley, etc. I was truly in the presence of some phenomenal individuals. One Jesuit, Fr. Steve, the kindest, meekest looking 60 something you will ever lay your eyes on, has spent 6 1/2 years of his life in jail. What? A jesuit? a criminal? Maybe by federal standards...but Fr. Steve went to jail on multiple occasions for his acts of protest against war, nuclear weapons, and torture. He, along with 4 others who belong to Plowshares, a Christian organization dedicated to ending war violence, broke into a naval base, where 25% of the US's nuclear weapons are housed. The average age among these protesters was about 75! wow. They face fines up to $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison. With their act, they brought awareness of the lack of security on this base. I was certainly inspired by his passion to fight for what he believes is right. And to go to jail for that? wild. Here's a good source if you want to know more http://disarmnowplowshares.wordpress.com/
And amongst this group of intellectuals and overall amazing priests were the motley crew of JVs! Together, men who have dedicated their lives to social justice and young people, just beginning our journey, gathered around a dining room table and celebrated mass, firm believers and the more skeptical alike. It was so simple. Without all the fuss. We shared our intentions. It was beautiful, and refreshing. Catholic, and universal. I was so blessed to be in the presence of that community, that love, and that faith.
.....................plus, i got a bomb dot com meal, so you better believe i'll be back there, jesuits!
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