Be Prepared to Recognize God

"In Ireland, Celtic Christianity has a sense of place...holy trees, holy wells, holy mountains, and holy mysteries. The early Irish called them 'thin places', where the mystic veil between us and God becomes so thin at times that one can actually feel God present.."

Glen V. Wiborg


Here in Mexico, we have felt and lived through a few sweet 'thin places' ourselves. Sometimes they have come unexpected. Some have come in the shape and form of Oaxacan friends, others during hard and challenging reflective moments, but always... even while living at times in mystery...we are part of God's holy creation, and wholly thankful !

DOMINGO DE RAMAS
Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. This past week the streets around the central market were lined with people weaving palm leaves into decorated designs.They will take them to church today. It's much more of an interactive day than we are used to in the US. In fact this whole week is much more interactive.

The palms I bought will stay on my wall for a while. They are so artistic. I know they were not made to last for long, but I am going to enjoy them while I can.

This is Palm Sunday:
mindful of the day,
I bring palm branches,
found upon my way:
But these will wither;
thine shall never die,-
The sacred palms
thou bearest to the sky!

by Thomas William Parons

Semana Santa (Holy Week) will be a slower week for us. Most of the schools are out for 2 weeks. Many of the families we work with will be celebrating either with visiting families or they'll try and head back to their pueblos for visiting there. Throughout the week, here in the capital city, there will be beautiful, festive parades, processions and special services. On Good Friday there will be a Procession of Silence; hundreds of people gather along the street to watch each one of the many Catholic Churches' floats pass by. Hundreds of people lining the street, old and young, all in respectful silence. It's a beautiful sight; both to the eyes and to the heart.