…. The smallest stain is more indecent in a fine robe; and the richer the cloth is, the more the stain appears, inasmuch that what appears very considerable upon a cloth of gold or silver can hardly be perceived upon a coarser kind; in like manner the stain of a venial sin, is scarce taken notice of amongst seculars…looked upon only as a trifle, there being so great and general a corruption in the world. But on religious, who are the dearly beloved of God, the least imperfection is very considerable–the least immodesty, the Least murmuring, the least impatient or hasty word is a very great offence, and gives great occasion of scandal amongst us. But amongst secular there is so little account made of such things that often times they never reflect on nor take any notice. To have dust on our feet troubles us not, but the least particle that gets into the apple of the eye puts us in a very great pain. Men in the world are like the feet of the mystical body of the Church, and religious resemble the eyes of the same body; so that the lease fault in a religious is a very great and very bad consequence, because it works so far worse of fact in him then it can do in a secular; and for this reason a religious lies under a greater obligation of watching, and taking care of all his actions. –St Alphonsus Rodriguez

St Rodriguez refers to priest and those under proper religious vows, yet striving for a deeper union with Christ I find it a challenge when mixing amongst the world. A quiet person, demanding as little attention as possible, watching, observing, loving, I find myself drawn out into downtown streets. The last several weekends I have spent my time walking around downtown Cleveland, attending mass at the Cathedral, spending time before the tabernacle and a sublime wooden statue of Mary, reading in a park alcove, shopping at a new gourmet grocery store, enjoying a walking workout, spending hour after hour wandering about downtown. When I can, waiting for proper moments, I attempt to touch. I also allow myself to be touched. A talkative well-dressed cultured group of women offering a ticket to a jazz concert, I eagerly comply and accompany. Another nice moment occurred dinning with a Romanian waitress at a Vietnamese restaurant. Shy, unsure of herself, I commented to her she did not look Vietnamese. Her awkward poor English response: ‘neither do you’ caught me off guard. Laughing deeply, I read her name tag: Lavinia. Observing her, noticing how scared she was of everyone, lacking confidence in her English, running away from every table, my heart went out to her. Finally, after watching her torment of serving, I told the owner I must speak with my waitress. Awkwardly, she approached, expecting a complaint. I told her I enjoyed my dinner, the fried soft tofu in sesame soy sauce amazing, however I am convinced she could have been friendlier with me, that I even felt she was a bit rude, she could have allowed me the luxury of conversation, enjoying herself a bit, rather than running away from me all the time. She apologized, telling me she is not good with talking to people. Teasingly, I reprimanded her: ‘Well I can see that, yet that is nonsense. You are a charming young lady who has no reason to run away from everyone. Your English is not that bad. You understand well. I can tell. Do not worry about your pronunciation. You failed miserably this time, yet I will tip you generously, granting you another attempt next weekend. This restaurant is becoming a weekend routine and I am going to request you every time I visit’. Appearing perplexed, she responded ‘ok’ and immediately ran away. I will return, pleased to see if her serving skills have improved–if she still has a job. Also a nice experience with an Indian gentleman working his new deli. The only one in his establishment, drinking coffee with him, we talked about basketball. He is so excited to have his downtown store, sharing with a customer means great joy to him. I oblige, listening to him talk about basketball, a sport he is learning and immensely enjoys watching. He is convinced the Cleveland team can win a championship, authentically excited by the possibility. I finished my coffee, which he filled with cream from his personal fridge. I do not take cream in my coffee, yet he offers from his personal supply so I must accept. It is important to properly receive as it is to give, allowing others the joy of being a giver. In regards to religion, I always listen closely to other’s insights, allowing them to share their experience of learning about God, rather than trying to impress them with my words. Let others talk about God, listen, allow them the joy of being an expert on God. As if on cue, as my coffee was consumed and conversation waned, a large group dressed for the baseball game entered his store. The world in all its confusion can be such a joy, a blessed place displaying the brilliance of God.