Reflection from Preaching class on June 14, 2010

I waited to post this because I wanted to get the feedback from my instructor on where changes and edits could have been made. I'll let you read it then I'll comment below.

Clarissa Aljentera

June 14, 2010

                                                            I am found

            Think about the last time you lost something you cherished: a watch, a favorite sweater, or maybe a friend who you hadn’t called in years. When that friend was found phrases like, “I have missed you,’ or  “We have so much to catch up on,” were probably exchanged. Long talks ensued. Tears could have been shed. If you were the person who was found, you may not have realized how much you were missed and how much you are loved.

            Recently, a friend of mine was ‘found.’ His name is James and he is 22-years-old. We had not really lost touch, in fact his story is one of a long pursuit with God. James was baptized, received his first Eucharist and confirmed this April during his senior year of college. It has been a long journey for him that was filled with exploration and questioning of the Catholic church. James had always wanted to become part of the this community we call church. And it was a long discernment for him that included the support of friends and mentors like myself.

            He was involved in service projects at Boston College. He studied theology. And he made acquaintances with Jesuits. This path was very much his journey and something he grew closer to each day. And in late April he was baptized, received his first Communion and confirmed. Each step of the way was a way for God to reveal God’s self to the young man. And when he was anointed with oil and embraced by friends and family, it was another way of God expressing love.  

            Having been a first-hand witness to James being found was moving. It gives me goose bumps to share his story with you today. This image of God that I share with you is one of a lover pursuing someone with a fondness and longing. And when God finds the lost sheep in Luke there is rejoicing. Retelling the story helps me understand God’s love in a very personal way. There is a very comforting image of our God who will run toward us and embrace us

            Imagine for a moment what it is like to be lifted high above God’s shoulders. You can’t believe that God has found you and hoisted you high for all the world to see. It was like God said, I have missed you. We need to catch up.

 But just so you know I delivered it without notes and hit the three-minute mark exactly. I love being concise. No more. No less. That was a struggle in school when professors wanted me to keep writing. After I received comments back from classmates they said it was confusing as to if James was lost or not. And my instructor felt I could eliminated my first graf and reworked some of the sentences. Although I was sans notes that afternoon, I held them in my hands. That kept me from really using my body as a preaching tool.

I am trying to construct my last reflection on 1 John 4 7-10, but I"m struggling. Too much in my head. I'll let you know how it goes. :)