When I was about 20 years old, there were some years in which I was very involved in an evangelization tool called Kairos Camps. These camps are held in spaces within nature, and one of the most important characteristics of this tool is that, unlike many retreats, there are almost no talks or lectures. What there are, are group activities called “challenges.” These years were ones of much personal learning, of getting to know myself in a deeper way, of observing and knowing my own attitudes and behavioral tendencies.
Seeking to respect the moment of those who will still live it, I will give only minimal details. Personal reflections take a central place within the days that the camp lasts. It is precisely in these moments where I discovered many things about myself.
Each camp is often given a name with a theme, sometimes also a theme song, t-shirts are made and a biblical quote is adopted on which the entire experience is centered during the days of the camp. In the vast majority of the camps in which I participated, the biblical quote was Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Among us participants, every time we found ourselves in a complicated situation, we would say to each other:
–Remember, all things are possible…
–Through Christ who strengthens us!!
At the end of the camp, as part of seeking that the participants continue practicing and cultivating what we have learned, we are invited to always keep this biblical quote in mind.
Before participating in these camps, I knew the biblical quote, but it was not until then that it took on a more personal meaning for me.
And you, do you have a biblical quote that your memory frequently returns to?
When one is thirsty, it is good to know that water is available. And if one finds oneself drinking water frequently, it is precisely because there is thirst to be quenched.
In a similar way, I found myself repeating this biblical quote to myself more and more frequently. And it was not until recently that I was able to understand the reason. It was only after I had surgery for a brain tumor that I was able to understand my story with more compassion.
After the operation, and due to the size of the brain tumor, the neurosurgeon estimated that the tumor began to form when I was approximately 15 years old. This news was the second shock in addition to the surprise that I had this tumor inside me.
The neurosurgeon, the endocrinologist and other specialists gave me general information about the internal consequences of this type of benign tumor. And little by little, by listening to all this information that they gave me, I was able to understand so many things about my behavior.
The brain itself has no sensitivity, and that’s why I did not have headaches. Part of what happened is that as the tumor grew, the space inside my head became smaller. As a result, everything was tighter, including the part of the brain that processes fear and anger.
In my case, greater fear equaled believing that I couldn’t achieve what I wanted. And this is where the quote from Philippians 4:13 came to accompany me.
My brain, for physiological reasons, didn’t have the ability to know that I could achieve some of the things I set out to do. But it was clinging to this biblical quote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” that made me believe that I could achieve the things I wanted.
I couldn’t know, but I could believe.
Have you found yourself in situations where you can’t find a way to cope with things?
I didn’t know how to cope with many personal situations, I clung to that biblical quote, and I wanted to believe.
If you don’t know how to cope with the situation you are in today, what can help you believe?
What helped me, what sustained me, for a long time, was believing, not knowing. I doubted myself too much. But I chose to believe with all my doubts.
What can you choose today to help you on your path?
The disciples told Jesus that they knew and believed that he was the Holy One of God.
I don’t know about you, but for me, knowing, from the depths of my being, came only recently. And it was not at all romantic to have to remind myself every day that I could do everything in Christ.
And you, what do you do to remember that you can do everything in Christ?
A beautiful legacy from my time at camp was contemplating beautiful sunsets. Would you like to try it?
If the Spirit leads you, share with Jesus the Carpenter what you can do to believe and/or know that you can do everything together.
Marisol
P.S.: We can hear about how the disciples tell Jesus that they believe and know that he is the Holy One of God, in the readings of the XXI Sunday of Ordinary Time, year/cycle B.
