Ir Con Jose
Updated: Sep 9
How do you imagine St Joseph?
When I close my eyes and imagine St Joseph, there are no lilies or 2000-year-old tools hovering in my imagination. Okay, sure, there is nothing wrong with lilies, but for me, I see him present with us today. I see him with us around the world; in different lands, languages and cultures. I have been especially aware of Sisters of St Joseph in Peru this past year, and with this being the Year of St Joseph, this led me to wonder...
How would our Saint Joseph look and act if he were in Peru today?
How would a Father's heart look and act in Peru in 2021?
Artwork can always lead to goodness, truth and beauty when it comes from the community. Therefore, I reached out to some Sisters in Peru - I am grateful for their help with the translation and information about life in Peru today. I learned a-lot, including the reality that potato farming is crucial for many families. I looked at many images of Fathers in Peru, but the various images of potato farming really stayed with me. I imagine Jose (Joseph) getting stuck in, dirty hands, on his knees, perhaps showing Jesus the importance of the land and the seasons.
Covid has really hit the country of Peru hard this past year. In many ways around the globe the catch phrase "we are in this together" plays on repeat. But, to be honest, it seems that we are not all living this together in quite the same way. I can't really imagine a family potato farming in Iceland in the middle of winter! One thing we all need is food, from Icelandic fish to potatoes in Peru; we need physical nourishment for our health. In Peru, potato farming is essential for the physical health of its people. Historically, the story of the potato began more than 10,000 years ago (more about the potato story).
Things will grow, but they will take time... all in God's time. I need to keep showing up, keep listening, and keep trusting (yes, this is hard work, but it's worth it).
I hope this image reminds us of "Ir con Jose" (Go to Joseph).
Happy Feast day
~ Jane
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