"Change your hearts and minds, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

These words of Jesus entreat us towards a radical change, a change within our own selves. At the time, they were a radical political statement, stating that God was more powerful than the mighty emperor, that the kingdom of God on Earth, right now, right here, was possible!

When I began this internship in the fall of '21, I was open about not self-identifying as Christian. However, I did express a willingness to talk and preach about Jesus, as I did feel he was divine and a great teacher, healer and on the side of the oppressed. In my first (school year), my theological development was centered around deepening my comfort and knowledge around talking about Jesus. Over the Summer break, due to personal situations, I came to a deeper appreciation around the gifts of forgiveness and grace that Jesus offers. I also came to a theological way to integrate my existing spiritual beliefs with the belief in the grace offered by Jesus. 

Here we are, in the oft quiet week between Christmas and New Year. We celebrated the birth of Christ. I really enjoyed these celebrations. From the beauty of humble beginnings to the splendor of the sacred reflected all around us, there was so much to take in and reflect on.