But This is The Covenant that I will Make

There are certain degrees of brokenness that we each encounter; we experience isolation, disappointments, the trials and tribulations of life, and what it means to feel excluded. Fundamentally, the question is, “How do we heal?” Today’s readings underscored the very tangible possibility of transcendence and the fullness of Christ’s invitation to a new covenant relationship with Him. I believe this invitation to be universally available at times, to be found in the most unlikely of circumstances, and to offer us the assurance of a new path forward. It’s a door that’s left wide open. As referenced in today’s Gospel in John 12, it’s the fruit of redemption that is produced following a season of loss and sorrow.

This Lenten season has not only been a time of renewal, but truly an awakening for me. We have all walked through varying degrees of personal challenge over the course of the last 12 months. I’m choosing to see this as an invitation. Several colleagues, mentors, and students have enriched my perspective in this regard. Through both word and action, they have encouraged me to view the current circumstances of the pandemic as a time to more fully consider the places where hope has been found through the establishment of new life-giving relationships, reconciliation between family and friends, and an awareness of our ability to heal while aiding others. There is something rather symbiotic about our existence. Although we may feel alone as we hurt, we heal together.

Although I am not technically a dad, I consider myself one. I have the privilege of being a godfather to several children. One of these children, Joel, lives in Mexico. He is a bright, cheerful, inquisitive, kind soul. Joel doesn’t have a father. The circumstances present numerous challenges: knowing whether or not he will have what he needs to eat, resources for education, and an example of faith and character when he most needs it. On his birthday this year, he called me Pad. This is an abbreviation for Padrino or Godfather. But it has a special significance. At the age of five, pronunciation is difficult. When he says “Pad,” it sounds a lot like “Pa”... in a recent video call with Joel and his mother, as I looked at the screen, I saw hope. He told me about his new friends at the Jesuit kindergarten and what he had been learning. Joel was quite naturally establishing the relationships that he required for his development both personally and spiritually. A covenant. And I am honored to play a role. We heal together as we love and support one another.

Recently, while working at one of the Jesuit sponsored immigration centers, I was blessed to witness the reunification of a family. What started as a simple phone call led to a Google maps adventure... mapping locations in order to assist in the unification process while witnessing the natural course of healing after suffering the brokenness of being alone, unsure, and feeling unloved. The child who was reunited with his family had been suffering the trauma of identity loss, being alone on his journey, confusion, and a wide range of abuses. Being invited into this sacred moment while experiencing reconciliation and welcoming on the part of his family allowed me to see what new “covenants” can look like... welcoming one another as we are, in our brokenness, in our fullness. We heal together.

Author: Rich Perry, Director of Community Service 

*Image Cred: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash