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Apostles for Today
March 2021
“THE BODY IS ONE AND HAS MANY MEMBERS, BUT ALL THE MEMBERS, MANY THOUGH THEY ARE,
ARE ONE BODY; AND SO IT IS WITH CHRIST.” (1Cor.12:12)
No man is an island nor any one person self-sufficient in his or herself. God created a world of plurality of beings each with their own culture, gifts, treasures in their land, uniqueness in their environment, and richness in their earth. What a great God to create such a world for each of its unique culture.
All this beauty could never be known or appreciated if we did not share with one another, through tourism, technology, dialogue, activities and cultural participation in a country. Therefore how important it is for us to acknowledge the diverse cultures that live in our land. In Central America the Maya culture has an everlasting impact in our land. (The creole –African) fill us with dynamic music and folklore. The Mestizo sprinkle their exotic dances to the sound of the marimba and in a land of many more cultures the music, the songs the dance and the language, the creative activities of each culture offer a kaleidoscope of brilliant stars in our land. In the midst of all this beauty the infinite love of God draws all together in the uniqueness of the friendliest people In Central America. What a good God we have.
In true dialogue we develop our views as well as contribute to the views of others. In true dialogue we grow in respect and appreciation of our own culture and also the diverse cultures that surround us. In true sharing we stand in awe at the beauty of others culture. What a great cultural world God created for his children. Nature develops, the environment colourfully burst out, and the people of the land become the greatest resources of the world. What a great God we serve.
In true dialogue we develop our confidence and also respect for others ideas. This allows all cultures to feel free and realize that there is beauty in all cultures. If we are not pressured to share or feel less then our inhibition falls to the ground. A new life is born, new joy, new activities that help us to continue to love, appreciate and stand in awe at the beauty of others culture.
All cultures are unique, special and one of a kind. Therefore, the solution is not relative to any particular culture through free discussion and respect one comes to a consensus that is benefial to all. There is no need for power struggles whether political or spiritual, whether holistic or egoistic. No one culture, leader, political activist, religious self-righteousness, holds the truth in their power. The community villages, nation, through discussion open and sincere come to the realization of truth, love and honesty for their people.
The world is no longer inhabited by one set of people. The smallest countries in the world boast a variety of culture that colors the beauty of that country. In the same manner the diverse cultures create an infinite level of thinking power, openness, focuses and a high level of reasoning that may not have come from book knowledge but from survival experiences. It is to our benefit to cash in on the deep wealth of knowledge that the diverse cultures bring to our negotiating table discussion, or dialogue. Let us remember that no one’s, pre mediated reasoning is automatically correct. In the midst of open discussion there are certain acceptable values that may not be accepted by all but in the midst of open discussion even these values will be discussed and at times accepted. In the midst of all this openness let us not forget that the hand of God lead where we cannot see
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The dream of a new society where all cultures complement each other and add to the level of government, education, social gathering, sports, and all other aspects of development of community develop to the point that we accept and complement each other to the building of a new society of respectable, diverse and cross-cultural union. It may take long but in certain small pockets of our historical society the Maya Indian teacher is principal of their elementary school in their village but why not principal of the leading high school in the main city of our country?
In looking at culture let us realize that culture flows through our life like the blood stream in the human person. It colors their way of life, their thinking, their food and in short runs through their whole life and makes them who they are. What a beauty it would be if each man and woman would feel culturally accepted, culturally efficient to dialogue with other cultures, culturally uninhibited to speak with confidence and boldness in open discussion. When the cream of the crops are melted and molded in God a new culture is created but the uniqueness of each person co–exist with each other.
This new world can only become a reality when we acknowledge, accept and interact with different cultures. Only when we genuinely interact with acceptance and realization of our differences can we begin to accept and appreciate one another. We, then, will begin to accept one another as companions in a journey. When we work and dialogue together we begin to acknowledge the giftedness of each culture. When I begin to acknowledge them, I begin to accept them as my true friends.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it that in certain countries there are certain areas that are provided for the less socially accepted cultures to settle and build their homes, while others of the upper class are provided more scenic or more acceptable areas?
2. Can we honestly say that we accept children of all cultural groups in leading parts of school play or sports?
3. Do we have open discussion or do we choose who will participate in the discussion?
4. What efforts do we make in offering open discussion in church, or country when important questions arise?
PRAYER God, Father of each of us and all of us in one you did not hesitate nor Measure your gifts in the diverse cultures of this world. Help us to Manifest and continue to create the manifestation of every culture In the 21st century. Let us as we each bring our gifts to the service of others. Touch each one of our cultures as you melt and mold them into the Kingdom of your love. AMEN
Sr. Consuelo Burgos, Belize
