Being in an international community of over 200 brothers has some funny moments:- When we watched the Super Bowl (Monday morning since it began at about 1am here) the schedule said “Final of the Super Bowl” as if all American Football was called “Super Bowl.”
- When we watch some sports, I wonder how many really understand the rules. For the Rugby World Cup Final, we got an explanation beforehand. The oddest moment was watching the clueless faces when the Giants got their safety because Brady had grounded the football. I am tempted to bring a video of my favorite sport in childhood – Chuckwagon Racing – and really watch their cluelessness.
- One German brother was giving a tour of the Vatican Museums to a German family. Afterwards they thanked him and said they thought his German was surprisingly good for a foreigner, he had only made one or two mistakes.
- In some other cultures, instead of birthdays, they celebrate “name days” which is the feast of the saint you are named after. Last year on St. Matthew, a brother was congratulating a brother Matthew beside me and was surprised when I thanked him too. “But you’re Br Schneider.” “Yes, but I have a first name too…”
- When it snowed, some brothers went outside and got their picture taken with the snow to send back to mom. If I sent my mom a picture of myself in the snow, she probably won’t even notice the snow…
- One brother has been bothering me for a while to include him. I thought of a funny event involving him but he ends up the worst so I figure it’s best to skip.
I think that such moments can help us see how Christ grants us joy when we are close to him. The joy we hold in our hearts extends into our life.
