Tonight, I introduced myself to Father Simon Haric, a Jesuit who spoke on my campus about how Jesus lived under military occupation. It was a really refreshing speach that fuled not only the social justice aspect of my life and reafirmed why I appose the war in Iraq and violence in general. It also refreshed my faith and spirituality. Sometimes I need that: to be reminded of my christain faith and upbringing, even though I frequently question it.
Slightly humorous though.... is that before Father Simon spoke he was walking around in the audience introducing himself saying "I am called Simon." To which I replied "I'm Kate," becuase of course, that is my name. Before I proceed, I must digress.... earlier today Kristi, my room mate, who is the student government social justice coordinator and was responsible for bring Father Simon, told me that when Father Simon meets someone, he tells them what their name means from memory. So Father Simon replies, "Ah, the purified one!" and goes on to explain that after women were baptized they were henceforth purified and the name Katherine emerged from that. I already knew that this is what my name meant but it was SOOOO cool to here it from a Jesuit Priest. At first I was laughing at the irony of it all. Me, the not really very pure one, being called pure by a man of God!! LOL!!! I figured "Hey, if he says I'm pure, I'll roll with that!!"
But really, once the irony and humor wore off I realized that I have been baptized AND confirmed into the christian faith, and though I've lived a life that is anything but pure, there is still a chance for me. God still loves me. I am still a christian. I like to think that though my body is not pure, my heart still is.
I know its corny, or maybe another sad excuse for the way I behave but I had a flash of hope in my slight time of darkness these days. I think I'll keep fighting the good fight after all.
god
