The Ascension
I simplely do not find my spiritual home in the Church, but it is also my place of work. Because of this many of my friends and loved ones also work in the institution. Sometimes this is a difficult thing. It is hard sometimes (read many time) to separate the people from the institution from the faith. It would be fair to say that over the last few years I have suffered an “institutional fitigue”. I have seen, for many reason, friends lose jobs, offices close, and people hurt. It is hard to see friends who fight for the young church, over night without warning lose jobs.
Then their are moment like this morning. After a cup (well, two) of Costa Rica´s finest café (organico) con leche I walk across the street to Santa Elana Iglesia for mass.
LA IGLESIA
It is a simple wood church. Seating no more than 100. The only sign at the entrance informs that “you are entering the house of God, please turn off your cell phone.” White cloth is hung with white and pink balloons celebrating the resurrection. Two gitarista a strumming while two damas sing the mass parts. Little old ladies are in the front saying a rosary. A picture of the last supper hangs above the presider’s chair, slightly to the right (surprisingly Mary Magdalen is not in the picture). A simple tabernacle is to the side. The Christ in the is stations looks like those sitting in the pews, but Mary is surprisingly anglo. The congregation slowly fills in. Grandparents are kissed on the cheek. Greetings are offered to friends and strangers. Everyone who sits in my row shakes my hand and wishes me a good morning. Prayers are said quietly as children fidget. Most of the community is local, but a few extranjeros are sprinkled about. T-shirts reading “Junior pride 2004″ and “Duke”. All are welcome.
LA MISA
Hymens are song and the precession begins. Padre is led in by a single alter boy. Tiene 12 años. He yawns, unaware that everyone can see him. He rubs the cobwebs from his eyes.
Blessings and peace are offered.
We sit to hear our family stories.
We stand to hear more.
Reflections are offered. What is important? ¿dinero? (money) ¿cosas? (thinks) ¡no! Comunique paz. Comunique amor. At the simplest level it is not about authority or doctrine, but peace and love. Share it.
Oramos (we pray) for the church, the world, peace, heath, and the silent prayers we offer in our heart.
Gifts are giving.
Pan de vida: Blessing offered. Thanks given. Baked to be broken
Copa de vide: Blessings offered. Thanks given. Filled to be spilled.
Nuestro Padre: Hands are opened. Other grab loved ones by the hand and shoulders. The same ancient prayer. I don´t the words in Spanish, but I know the meaning by heart in my heart. Lord you are holy. We do not say this because you need to hear it, but because it is good we remind ourselves of that fact. Feed us today with simple bread. Offer us forgiveness in the way we forgive nuestro hermanos y hermanas. Lead us away form what is away from You. This we believe.
Peace is offered in kisses, hugs, hand shakes, and waves. The language doesn´t matter. We all know what we are saying. Everyone in arms length is touched. ¡Familia!
We move forward, not in order, but as we are ready. El courpo de Chirsto. Amen.
Silent thanks given on seats and on bended knee.
Announcements (¡claro qué sí!)
Heads bowed and eyes raised to heaven for blessings.
Song sung.
¡Estoy en mi casa con mi familia!

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