Reflections from a trip to DC, a son's educational experience, Obama's first talk to Congress, promoting a Culture of Life

February 27, 2009

Letter to the Editor
The Washington Post

As a tourist in DC this week while our 11 y/o son, John Paul, attends the People to People Program, I wanted to share some insights that I have been blessed with per your wonderful city and surroundings that have helped me to enter this Season of Lent.

I bundled up carefully on Tuesday for the freezing weather as I walked from the Smithsonian to the Lincoln Memorial, the War Memorials, the American Holocaust Memorial and then to the Capitol before "warming up" to President Obama's speech to Congress and all of us that night; it was special to happen to stop by the National Cathedral prior to his talk and be able to walk the Labyrinths there in prayer and reflection.

Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent, a time to take stock of one's "spiritual budget deficits," was enhanced by pilgrimages to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. Receiving absolution from a priest for recent sins of personal, social and global "overspending" gives one hope to move on with a more humble, contrite and simple heart. It was also great this day to go after Mass at St. Timmothy's in Chantilly to join others at a peaceful and prayerful demonstration at the Fairfax abortion clinic. (Micah 6:8 - "Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.")

Thursday, an Arlington Memorial encounter, embued the spiritual experience with the reminder of the "cost of discipleship" - many have surely laid down their lives for God, others and their country - both in civilian and military stripes. Ultimately, no matter what "time table" or when our troops "come home" (to the Lord), we are all welcomed to loving and merciful arms.

Finally, today's plans are embedded with closure activities for the trip - John Paul completes his People to People program tomorrow morning, and we head back to our homeland of Louisiana, where we properly render to Ceasar (Jindal), as we have done here to Obama in "Jerusalem." A reality check encounter awaits me tonight as I hope to join the audience of the "Worldover News Show" by Raymond Arroyo at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.

In conclusion, for all of us sinners who hope to be "Change We Need" rendering agents for Christ, may we follow the example of Mother Teresa. As with most recognized saintly people, we must seek for change ("metanoia") in ourselves before we can hope for change outside of us in our world. Thanks People to People Program, Washington DC and surrounding areas and The Post for this Lentan Retreat! Godspeed!