Wednesday, July 11, 2012

After another day of mission work, we had Mass and an awesome chicken dinner. Then, we spent some time on a one hundred foot slip-n-slide and engaging in some shaving cream whiffle ball.

This evening, Dcn. Russ gave an awesome talk on why we need Jesus (in order to live out the greatest commandment). He then launched into the awesome story about St. Lawrence and the way he saw the poor and the lame in the city of Rome as the true riches of the Church. He had the eyes of Christ.

He then challenged us that if our eyes our not changed in how we see others by the end of this week, we have missed something. So the question that lingers is, how were your eyes changed today?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Today was our first day at our mission sites. It sounds like the groups all had a healthy combination of challenges/sufferings and joy. One thing is certain, God is here and He is working!

This evening, we had an outing to Washington Park (just across the street from Music Hall). It is a beautiful park and there were tons of people hanging out, playing sports and enjoying the fountains. I've got some pictures below.

Later this evening, we heard a talk from a missionary priest from Uganda - Fr. Ruffino of the Comboni Missionaries. He talked about Moses and God's calling him to reach out to Israel - because of God's desire to be merciful. He reminded us that the world is also thirsting and hurting right now, and that it is up to us to share God's love with the world, along with hope in Christ. Amongst many other wise things, he shared stories of meeting JPII and Mother Teresa, and called us to live a missionary life this week that is rooted in prayer.

After Father's talk, we heard some testimonies from the teens. Many stories related seemingly small and insignificant experiences that had tremendous impact when seen with the eyes of God. Stories like holding hands with kids in OTR, watching a woman bring her newborn baby into Pregnancy Center East, speaking to people who were mute with any means possible, and even picking up sticks and pulling weeds.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Opening Day

God in Cinci 2.0 is off to a great start. This morning our small groups for the week had some competition (friendly, of course) before an afternoon of serious reflection about why it is that we are here for mission. This has allowed us to focus on the fact that we are called to love God and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Next we looked intensely at the works of mercy, before ending the afternoon with a session on humility (are we working for our own glory, or for God's?).

Now we gear up for the evening session...

Here are a few pics from the new fad - nine-square.