I thought I would spend some time to explore my roots and felt the need to exercise a skill that I have left virtually unused. I am bilingual and my parents would be very disturbed if I were to forget where I came.

My hope is to instill the importance of heritage to my children. That means I have to understand this truth and have to respect that heritage.

In any case, this is good practice. My memories are filled with the voices of my family speaking Spanish. When times are tough, I hear my mother saying in my head, "Pray". When life is wonderful my father's voice rejoices with me. I pray that my children are blessed with the same kind of familiar voices.

Blessings,

Michael

Pensé que pasaría algún tiempo a explorar mis raíces y sintió la necesidad de ejercer una habilidad que ha dejado prácticamente sin uso. Soy bilingüe y mis padres serían muy molestados si yo fuera a olvidar de donde vine. Mi esperanza es inculcar la importancia de la herencia a mis hijos. Que implica la comprensión y la verdad yo respeto ese mismo patrimonio.

En todo caso, esta será una buena práctica.

Mis recuerdos están llenos con las voces de mi familia hablando español. Cuando los tiempos son duros, escucho a mi madre dicendome, "Ora". Cuando la vida es maravillosa oygo a mi padre que me animabe. Ruego que mis hijos son bendecidos con el mismo tipo de voces familiares.

Bendiciones,

Migúel

Just Here?

HINENI; A Jewish term meaning, "I'm here and ready to do your bidding".

PO; Jewish term meaning, "Here".

A not so old Jewish professor I once had described the world as having two mind sets. There are those who are passionate about their lives and beliefs, on fire; HINENI. Then there are those who are just...here; PO. With the beginning of each new class role was taken. Your response, in Jewish, stated your enthusiasm for that evening's session. Many of us may have been hesitant to respond to with a "HENENI" for fear of some kind of repercussion for publicly stating our willingness as Catholics to do the bidding of a Jewish instructor. By the end of the intensive Old Testament study there were few who didn't realize our calling as Christians is to do just that, to be here and ready to do His bidding. Has it not been our mission to be at the ready for The Jewish instructor?

We didn't always find ourselves on the same page as him, however, Rabbi Reverence sparked the fire of passion within all our hearts; a passion to be either hot or cold to his teachings. He, whether he was willing to admit it or not, was being Christ-like to his students with each class meeting.

"I know your works: You are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. " (Revelation 3:15-16)

With each new morning how do you decide to respond? HENENI or PO?

Blessings,
Michael