Reflection Process
The divine Persons are subsistent relations, and the world, created according to the divine model, is a web of relationships. Creatures tend towards God, and in turn it is proper to every living being to tend towards other things, so that throughout the universe we can find any number of constant and secretly interwoven relationships. This leads us not only to marvel at the manifold connections existing among creatures, but also to discover a key to our own fulfilment. The human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures. In this way, they make their own that trinitarian dynamism which God imprinted in them when they were created. Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity.
(POPE FRANCIS, LAUDATO SI’ )The articles in this issue are a reminder that while everyone’s experience of food is deeply personal and influenced by their unique family heritage and social location, food is also what connects us to other humans across the globe, to creation, and to God. As you read these articles, reflect on the following:
n Is there a food that is important to you? What memories or feelings does this food evoke? Why is it so significant?
n What does the word communion mean to you?
n Can you think of a meal or eating experience where you felt truly connected—where you have felt drawn into the relationships Pope Francis talks about in the quote above?
n Do you know where your food comes from? When you think about the people who grew, harvested, baked, butchered, or otherwise produced your food, does that change how you think about it? Will you make different choices around food because of these people? How so?
n Do the stories in this issue call you to any sort of action? What might that look like in your life?
FALL EVENTS
Youth Action Team Internship Developments
The Youth Action Team interns completed the fall semester of their internship in mid-December. During the fall, the interns expanded their relational, listening, and communication skills through workshops and community outreach. In October, the interns hosted an event that allowed them to practice one-to-one relational skills with Seattle-area community organizers. It was an inspiring event that allowed the interns to realize their collective power. In October and November, the interns gathered experiential data from and built relationship with the community by inviting roughly 80 diverse individuals to participate in one-to-one conversations.
In October, the interns hosted an event that allowed them to practice one-to-one relational skills with Seattle-area community organizers.
Data gathered from these one-to-ones was utilized in December for the interns’ discernment process in selecting a justice issue to build a movement around during the spring semester.
Follow IPJC on Facebook and Instagram (@IPJCseattle) to see profiles on each intern and get updates on their work!
When we were not working diligently towards justice, we built relationship and had fun together! The interns and co-facilitators enjoyed an adventure to an escape room to celebrate the completion of one-to-ones and the Thanksgiving holiday.
