That's what it's all about

Shaking it all about

You put your right hand in;
you put your right hand out.
You put your right hand i and you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey
and your turn yourself about,
that's what it's all about!

I have a friend who has a t-shirt that says "Maybe the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?"  At the close of orientation we sang a French version of the hokey pokey where you put in fingers, hands, toes, feet until everyone is shaking it all.  We're not only sharing this silliness, but we're united in this moment.


We're here for ecumenical formation, but we don't come as unformed globs of clay, waiting to be shaped, or empty vessels waiting to be filled.  We're each deeply saturated in our own culture and uniquely embody the Spirit that unites us.  So what's involved in ecumenical formation?  What exactly are we forming, and why?

Ivan of Belarus doing his interpretation of Latin dancing :)

I don't think this formation is a one time thing, nor will we ever stopped being formed.  I think this formation is fully dependent upon each one of us being fully ourselves, and bringing what we have to offer.  Like Jesus in the feeding of the multitude stories, everyone gathers together having only themselves. They came to him with only the clothes of their hard word and personalities created by their community.  We come with only the loaded packs on our backs and ourselves, shaped and created by our own communities.

Tricia (USA), Gregu (Hungary), me, Deavit (Columbia & Argentina)

Gergu & Deavit showing us "the look" is universal

Like the 4 gospel renditions, all are slightly different, all are seeking answers.  But in all 4 gospels, and in this place of Bossey, Jesus does not dismiss us to our own homes as the disciples ask him to.  Jesus realizes that we have become community for one another, and we now need to share together.  So the Christ of the multitude "took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated next to him; so also the fish, as much as they wanted (Jn: 6:11)."  This story is called a miracle, and what a miracle it is when we gather in one place, and as Jesus showed, offer the things we have in our pockets and hidden corners of ourselves.  We might not think they're gifts.  We might think they're as useless as pocket lint; but when offered to those seated next to you, you together create a miracle. You together discover we have so much to share; but you also discover that what you have to offer truly is worthy.  You discover not only the uniqueness of your offering, the value of your individual identity; but you also discover that this separate gift of a person is intrinsically connected to others.

In those small groups seated on the grass Jesus showed people that in the act of sharing the miracle of community is formed.  Last night, to conclude our first week together, we threw together a party and realized that dancing is intrinsic to ecumenical formation.  

Deavit & Natailia (Ukraine) 

Marins (Nigeria) & Sr. Jaseentha (Indian, serving in Italy)

We started the week as strangers and ended the week as friends.  We started this night with the hokey pokey, and ended it with Lady Gaga, "I was born this way."  I think that, and more, is what its all about!