Can you think of a time that you followed Jesus because you thought you would get material things you needed/wanted? Describe what you think Jesus is referring to as “the food that endures to eternal life.” What do you think is the relationship between physical needs and spiritual needs? What hunger do you have in your life beyond the physical that Jesus can fill?
Day 35 – March 25
Tongue on Fire 
I didn’t follow Jesus when I spent years of volunteering at UIC Medical College. We did a lot of good work on the West side, but my involvement resulted from interest. I began there because I wanted to be closer to a team of researchers in teraotlogy/neuroscience/addiction studies. I could not imagine myself strapped down to a desk in a slow paced environment. In market research we did a little of everything, for little pay. This seemed fine to me.
In graduate school I began to reflect on the need for social cooperation. In research people work as a team. That seemed the way to go. Again, I studied religion because it interested me. While at Garrett/NU I had a spiritual epiphany when I encountered Chabad and their emphasis on study and loving-kindness. Again I never had a great calling. I just figured these folks had it all figured out pretty nicely. It helped me understand what the nuns were about (on the West side at Resurrection grammar school), when they spoke of the Social Gospel. The church is not a building. It is a life-style of loving kindness, and lived salvation.
I have a lot of interests. I do enjoy helping people. But my first motivation is interest. Afred Adler felt that a “cure” for neuroses was to do something kind for others…and keep doing it. I think that he had it figured out as well…LOL I treasure having known Gustavo Gutierrez and studying Latino/a folk religion. But if the truth be told, my motivation is first, and foremost, interest and love of community, self and others.
I like my degrees. I like my credentials. I like my certifications. But, I do pray that I helped a few people along the way. I think that I have succeeded. I keep coming back to Chabad — a love of study and kindness. I should have been a Hassidic Rabbi, but frankly I am happy just being Rick.
That’s what I am about…LOL
LikeLike