Scholastic Jun-G Bargayo SJ reflects on his experience of the first JCAP meeting on Ecology, which was an experiential workshop at Kampong Cham, along the Mekong River.
The JCAP Ecology workshopwas not, for me, a typical workshop. It was clear to me that we had not gatheredto find messianic solutions to all ecology related concerns. Rather, the workshop was strategically designed to bring the participants to the sense of gratitudecritical to the Society’s response to “Reconciliation with Creation.” Hence the moments of silence for prayer and discernment.
Questions were asked. And we answered those questions at personal and group levels. Social analysis and spiritual reflection were well integrated in every activity. As a Jesuit in formation, it was amazing to witness the participants, Jesuits and non-Jesuits, very Ignatian, all yearning for God’s presence in everything.
When I arrived in Kampong Cham, the image that struck me was the long bridge that connects the land separated by the great Mekong River. It brought to mind the memory of one of my childhood playgrounds. It was under a bridge near the house where I grew up. My friends and I often went there to play: diving and jumping off from its ledge into the river. Those were happy and brave moments. We were just enjoying, swimming the deep-milky river. I realized that I once had a special connection with rivers. And that connection was deeply hidden at the back of my mind, and I should say that it was nearly forgotten. The first thing that the workshop graced me was my re-connection with creation. I believe that acknowledging my relationship with nature is a milestone towards reconciling with her.
Another thing that struck me was the idea of environmental advocacy. Fr. Patxi Alvarez SJ spoke about the “demand that we engage in building bridges between the rich and the poor, and establishing advocacy links”. (GC 35 d.3 n.28 )He stressed the importance of our intellectual apostolate that says a lot with regard to our integrity as we engage ourselves in any advocacy. He also highlighted the point of creating and strengthening bonds of friendship including those who are outside the existing Jesuit circle.
As I listened to Fr Patxi, I learned that environmental advocacy does not only require intellectual pursuit, but also change in one’s lifestyle. Such change sprouts from a conviction within an individual or community.
I know that the trademark of a Jesuit is his obedience to his superior. However I find environmental advocacy beyond obedience. For example, the Jesuit house that I live in has a working waste segregation system. Everyone throws their garbage into the respective waste bins. All the waste management posters and signage in the house are well observed. However, when I ask myself the question if I have the conviction for this waste segregation, my honest answer would be “not yet.” I am just following the rules in the house. Yet, as I continue to witness the good consequences that the system brings to our house, especially how it benefits me, I am slowly sensing gratitude in my heart that I can see myself pushing myself to give back what is good to the community. Also, I think that my eyes are gradually opening to see how the world benefits from the small contribution I am making. And I want to give more. I guess it is conviction growing in me. What I am saying is that conviction as regards to ecology is personal, owned and never borrowed.
|
|
| Fr Gabby Lamug-Nanawa, SJ and Scholastic Jun-G Bargayo, SJ fishing in the Mekong River. |
One more thing that struck me was how the workshop ended. Fr. Gabby Lamug-Nanawa, SJ asked us the question, “What grace or blessing did you receive during the workshop which you are grateful for?” He asked us to put it in one word. The atmosphere was full of Spirit when each word came out from each participant. I said “re-connection”. I know that my relationship with nature was re-established during the workshop. I also believe that I am re-united with creation.
The workshop started and ended with gratitude. Of course, there were also lists of concrete steps on what to do next (e.g., institutional level, youth education and sustainability, personal and community lifestyle). More so, what was edifying for me was the humility from everyone when they sought for greater collaboration in mission, “Reconciliation with Creation.”
My prayer (inspired by GC 35 d.2 n.2) for all of us during the workshop was that “Lord, Jesus Christ, we beg for the same grace that you have given to our first companions: the grace of decisiveness to care, alertness to initiate a completely open way, and vigour to seek your will in our pursuit towards the healing of our relationship with you, ourselves, and your creation. May we continue to offer ourselves fully for your greater glory. Amidst all our diversities in language and culture, thought and experience, passion and ideals, Lord, Jesus Christ make us one with you in loving. Amen.”
“We had a great workshop, also a retreat,” these words were reverberating when we concluded the workshop.
Top photo: Fr Joaquim Sarmento SJ (East Timor) fishing at one of the lakes near Mekong River.