Christina Germak
Campus Minister, Brown-RISD Catholic Community
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“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). These are the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary when she consents to becoming the Mother of God, when she says ‘yes’ to allowing her womb to become the vessel in which God becomes a human being in Jesus Christ. For Christians, Mary’s ‘yes’ to surrendering to the will of another – to the will of the Other, God Himself – has a ripple effect on the entire world, a world that is now able to know, in the Person of Jesus Christ, the Divine Son of God – Love Incarnate. The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation on Friday, March 25th, as a way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary for her ‘yes’ to God.
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Mary’s example begets the question: How often do we ask ourselves at the start of the day, “How can I surrender my will to someone else’s today? How can I put someone else’s requests before my own agenda?” Most of us (including myself) are likely accustomed to allowing our days to carry themselves forward by the pre-scheduled meetings and tasks that we have already written into our agendas. To be organized in this way is good and necessary for living an effective, responsible adult life. But how comfortable are we when those pre-scheduled events and tasks are interrupted? And do we measure our days – or even ourselves – simply by what we have been able to check off of our to-do lists? |
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Interruptions can certainly be irritating. And for work and commitments that require great focus and attentiveness, interruptions can be challenging obstacles and distractions that we need to manage. But the reality is, we cannot escape interruptions. From unwanted traffic on our morning commute to a friend who calls in need of a favor, our lives are filled with them. The key to maintaining our peace when faced with interruptions is to change how we view and respond to them. Interruptions remind us that we are not in complete control, and they are opportunities to surrender our own will to that of another – God and neighbor. They are moments for us to grow in charity, patience, and perseverance. They are invitations to see the face of God in our neighbor, reach out to someone in need, and collaborate with God in bringing His kingdom of peace, love, and justice into the world. |
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The truth is, time does not belong to us, but it is a gift that has been given to us by God. And so, if it is a gift from God, God has the power to intervene in our schedules and change the plans we originally had for ourselves. If we would loosen our grip on our expectations and welcome interruptions as opportunities for God’s love to intervene in our lives, our own ‘yes’ could end up bearing peace, joy, and freedom – in our own lives and in the lives of others. |
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Christina Germak serves as the Campus Minister for the Brown-RISD Catholic Community, accompanying Brown students in their own pursuits of purpose, truth and faith. Her Office Hours are Tuesdays from 1-3 pm in Page-Robinson Hall, Room 413. You can also book an appointment with Christina, or find her at the new Catholic Center, located at 51 Prospect St.
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More from the Office of the Chaplains & Religious Life |
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Do you know a graduating senior who would be a deserving recipient of an Interfaith Leadership Award?
The President James Manning Medal - Awarded to a senior in the college whose pursuit of excellence in the study and practice of religion is exemplary.
The Interfaith Leadership Award - Honors a senior in the college who has demonstrated interfaith leadership both on campus and beyond, within the confines of the academic year and/or during time away.
The Levi Adams Citation - Honors a senior in the college for distinction and service in the leadership of a campus based religious organization, project, or initiative.
Faculty, staff, and students may nominate. Due April 4.
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When is Compassion Skillful?:
Dialogues from Tibetan Buddhism and Science
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Please join Brown Contemplative Studies and the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life for the XIXth Annual Mary Interlandi ’05 Memorial Lecture.
Friday, April 8th | 5:30 - 7 pm
Smith-Buonanno, Rm. 106.
This event is free and open to the public.
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Workshop with Professor Judith Simmer-Brown
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Please join Brown Contemplative Studies and the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life for a workshop on Cultivating the Compassion Instinct with Professor Judith Simmer-Brown, Naropa University.
Saturday, April 9th | 9:30 am - noon and 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Pembroke Hall, Rm. 305
Please be sure to wear comfortable clothing, bring a meditation cushion or yoga mat and some form of hydration.
This event is free and open to the public.
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Kick off the holiday with a Seder Experience at BRH or by hosting your own Seder through DIY! There will be Kosher for Passover food available throughout the week at Hillel.
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