‘Seek humility!’ 겸손함을 찾아라!

Judith in the Old Testament prays most sincerely, falling prostrate and putting ashes upon her head: “Your strength is not in numbers, nor does your might depend upon the powerful. You are God of the lowly, helper of those of little account, supporter of the weak, protector of those in despair, savior of those without hope.” (Judith 9:11). Truly, God saves “humble people” and brings low “haughty eyes” (cf. Psalms 18:28). Together with Sr. Gemma Hong who has led the pastoral care for Korean immigrants in the United States for over 30 years, I drove the van from Saint Louis in Missouri to Dallas in Texas to begin our mission for a month. As a starting point of our mission trip, we led a day retreat on the topic of “humility” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Worth Korean Martyrs Catholic Church, Texas, on January 29, 2023. About 50 parishioners participated in the retreat, and most of them were consoled, encouraged, and strengthened spiritually. They willingly and joyfully opened their hearts with the help of mini laughing therapy that was provided as icebreaking of the retreat program. The retreat talks were given three times. As an introduction, parishioners had time to look back and ponder on the past three years that they had to confront the unexpected COVID-19 and the climate crisis as well. They tried to think over “how to live from now on.” The second talk gave them the question of the meaning of seeking the Lord in daily life, which was explained in two key points: loving the Lord and neighbors, and constantly giving thanks to the Lord. The third talk was centered on the topic of “humility” presented in the Bible and in the spiritual life. Then, based on “The Rule” (Regula) of Saint Benedict of Nursia (480-547), “Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers” (Sententiae Patrum Aegyptiorum) translated by St. Martin of Braga (510-579), and “The Seven Victories” (De Septem Victorias) written by Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618), a Spanish Jesuit and missionary to China, the importance and value of humility was pointed out. Finally, as an example of being humble with joy and thanks, a short video clip on the life of Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido (1920-1971), a Spanish journalist and writer, was presented. After lunch, we had time to read and deepen the contexts of “True happiness” (the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12). In the end, some of the participants shared their resolutions voluntarily, and everybody was given a Korean-made lucky pouch that contained seven pieces of the words of God on humility. At 3 p.m., Mass was presided over by Fr. Michael Chang-jun Lee who has an utmost sense of joy, generosity, and hospitality. He celebrated Sunday Mass as an offering celebration of giving thanks, consecration, and making new resolutions. Every moment was truly a gift from God that flowed naturally with the help of the Holy Spirit. And some people said the retreat passed happily and joyfully without noticing the passage of time. The prophet Isaiah says: “Comfort, give comfort to my people!” (Is 40:1). Giving comfort and consolation to Korean immigrants is our mission statement this year. “Comfort,” originally coming from “confortare,” (in Latin) means encouraging, inspiring, empowering, and strengthening one another. “So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.” (Hebrews 12:12-13).

Humility in the Bible 성경에 나타난 겸손

Many prophets appeal to us to seek the Lord. Especially in this time of trials, what does it mean to seek the Lord? Prophet Zephaniah says: "Seek the Lord, all you humble… Seek justice, seek humility." (Zephaniah 2:3). What does it mean to seek the Lord, in our life? Above all, it means to love the Lord and our neighbors. It is to love God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength. At the same time, it is to love others, with the help of God's love. In other words, it means to do good in every situation; to be righteous and just, to be humble; to help and share with others willingly, and to be merciful and kind to all. Second, seeking the Lord means giving thanks constantly. The first letter of Thessalonians (5:15-18) says: "See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." Constant joy, endless prayer, and a thankful heart are the will of God, the standard and measure of the Christian life. Among 10 lepers healed by the grace of God, only one Samaritan came back to give thanks to Jesus. Being grateful allows us to be truly healed and to do our best in every moment. A thankful heart is a stepping stone that leads me to walk on and on, faithfully. It allows me the fullest living, inspires me to see reality in a positive way, and helps me to be enthusiastic and hopeful. It gives me creativity and inspiration and opens my heart wide. Reading the Bible, I discovered that Jesus is the supreme example of humility. He defines himself thus: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves" (Matthew 11:29). Jesus even "poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist" (John 13:5). In Philippians 2:7-8, Saint Paul witnesses the humility of Jesus: "Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." In this way, the humility revealed and witnessed through the life of Jesus has become the will of God, the mission, lifestyle, and code of conduct of all of us who follow the footsteps of Jesus. Besides Jesus, Abraham, Abel, Moses, Solomon, Daniel, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Saint Paul the apostle, Peter, and many others are good examples of humility. The Beatitudes and love are signs of humility. Thus, we can substitute humility in the first letter of Corinthians 13:4-7 for love: "Love (Humility) is patient, love (humility) is kind. Love (Humility) is not jealous, it (humility) is not pompous, it (humility) is not inflated, it (humility) is not rude, does not seek its own interests, it (humility) is not quick-tempered, it (humility) does not brood over injury, it (humility) does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love (Humility) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/02/162_344440.html The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Jan. 31 (online), Feb. 1 (offline), 2023 성경에 나타난 겸손 많은 예언자가 주님을 찾으라고 호소한다. 특히 이 시련의 때에 주님을 찾는다는 것은 무엇을 뜻할까? 예언자 스바니야는 “모든 겸손한 이들아, 주님을 찾아라. 의로움을 찾아라. 겸손함을 찾아라.”(스바 2,3) 하고 말한다. 우리 삶에서 주님을 찾는다는 것은 과연 무엇을 뜻할까? 주님을 찾는다는 것은 무엇보다 주님과 이웃을 사랑하라는 뜻이다. 마음을 다하고 정신을 다하고 목숨을 다하고 힘을 다하여 하느님을 사랑하라는 것이다. 또한 하느님의 사랑에 힘입어 다른 이들을 사랑하라는 것이다. 다시 말해, 사람들을 사랑한다는 것은 모든 상황에서 선을 행하는 것을 뜻한다. 곧 모든 사람을 의롭고 정의롭게 대하고, 겸손하게 맞이하고, 기꺼이 돕고 나누며, 자애롭고 친절하게 대하는 것이다. 둘째, 주님을 찾는다는 것은 언제 어디서나 끊임없이 감사하는 것을 뜻한다. 테살로니카 신자들에게 보낸 첫째 서간(5,15-18)은 이렇게 말한다. “아무도 다른 이에게 악을 악으로 갚지 않도록 주의하십시오. 서로에게 좋고 또 모든 사람에게 좋은 것을 늘 추구하십시오. 언제나 기뻐하십시오. 끊임없이 기도하십시오. 모든 일에 감사하십시오. 이것이 그리스도 예수님 안에서 살아가는 여러분에게 바라시는 하느님의 뜻입니다.” 하느님의 은총으로 치유받은 나병 환자 열 사람 가운데 오직 한 사마리아 사람만이 돌아와 예수님께 감사드렸다. 감사하는 마음은 참으로 치유를 받게 하며 순간순간 최선을 다하게 한다. 감사하는 마음은 충실하고 항구하게 걸어가도록 이끄는 디딤돌이다. 감사하는 마음은 충만한 삶을 살게 하고, 긍정적으로 현실을 바라보도록 영감을 주며, 열정과 희망을 지니게 한다. 감사하는 마음은 창의력과 영감을 불어넣어 주며 마음을 활짝 열게 한다. 나는 성경을 읽으면서 예수님이야말로 겸손을 증거한 최고의 귀감이라는 것을 발견했다. “나는 마음이 온유하고 겸손하니 내 멍에를 메고 나에게 배워라. 그러면 너희가 안식을 얻을 것이다.”(마태 11,29) 심지어 예수님은 “대야에 물을 부어 제자들의 발을 씻어 주시고, 허리에 두르신 수건으로 닦기 시작”(요한 13,5)하셨다. 필리피 신자들에게 보낸 서간 2장 7-8절에서 성 바오로는 이처럼 겸손하신 예수님을 다음과 같이 증언한다. “오히려 당신 자신을 비우시어 종의 모습을 취하시고 사람들과 같이 되셨습니다 당신 자신을 낮추시어 죽음에 이르기까지, 십자가 죽음에 이르기까지 순종하셨습니다.” 이처럼 예수님의 삶에 뚜렷이 드러난 겸손은 예수님의 발자취를 따르는 우리 모두에게 주어진 하느님의 뜻이요 사명이며, 삶의 방식이요 행동 규범이 되었다. 예수님 외에도 아브라함, 아벨, 모세, 솔로몬, 다니엘, 이사야, 세례자 요한, 사도 성 바오로, 베드로를 비롯한 많은 인물이 겸손함을 드러내는 훌륭한 귀감이다. 참행복과 사랑은 겸손의 표지다. 따라서 우리는 코린토 신자들에게 보낸 첫째 서간 13장 4-7절에 나오는 ‘사랑’이라는 말을 ‘겸손’으로 대체할 수 있다. “사랑(겸손)은 참고 기다립니다. 사랑(겸손)은 친절합니다. 사랑(겸손)은 시기하지 않고 뽐내지 않으며 교만하지 않습니다. 사랑(겸손)은 무례하지 않고 자기 이익을 추구하지 않으며 성을 내지 않고 앙심을 품지 않습니다. 사랑(겸손)은 불의에 기뻐하지 않고 진실을 두고 함께 기뻐합니다. 사랑(겸손)은 모든 것을 덮어주고 모든 것을 믿으며 모든 것을 바라고 모든 것을 견디어 냅니다.”

Cheerful giver 기쁘게 주는 이

 The other day, a priest whom I know asked me, “How does your congregation make a living?” I mentioned several ways to overcome financial problems. Among them is receiving donations and offerings.

 As fewer vocations enter the congregation, the number of religious sisters is decreasing more and more these days. As a result, the convent has more empty rooms. In European countries, many monasteries and convents have turned into museums, shops, or hotels.

 How can the religious sisters pay all the expenses of living in society? Truly, for religious sisters, each day is a marvelous miracle and a gift from God. Our livelihood is sustained by many offerings and donations provided by generous donors, benefactors, and cooperators with goodwill.

 When I dined in the main congregation of the Daughters of Saint Paul in Boston, I noticed that each meal is well made. Especially, serving various vegetables and fruits, among others, drew my attention. I really enjoyed a healthy diet. And I heard that most of the food ingredients are donated by big markets.

 The culture of donations, tips, and paying taxes honestly is deeply rooted in the American mind. The United States is truly a generous, abundant, and prosperous country.

 There is the children’s picture book called “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, which was first published in 1964. Being a steady seller up to now, “The Giving Tree” still attracts lots of readers all over the world.

 “Once there was a tree… and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. … And the boy loved the tree very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone.”

 … “I am too big to climb and play. I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?” … “Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.”

 “I want a house to keep me warm. I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?” … “You may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy.” 

 “I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?” “Cut down my trunk and make a boat. Then you can sail away… and be happy.”

 “Now I just need a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.” “Well, well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.” …

 “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Truly, God loves a willing giver. Cheerful givers are always blessed and rewarded. The more we give, the more blessings and rewards are bestowed upon us.

 “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Luke 6:38).

 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2023/01/137_343876.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Jan. 24 (offline), 25 (online), 2023

 

Does the American Dream still exist? '어메리칸 드림'은 여전히 유효한가?

  As I go to the United States, I ask myself: “Does the American Dream still exist?”

 Just before entering the religious congregation, I had a dream to continue my studies in the United States. But I abandoned my plan to belong to the congregation of the Daughters of Saint Paul.

 After 30 years of living in the congregation, I am being sent to the United States as a missionary. I am now going there not to study but to witness the Good News of Jesus. Looking back, I realize that God never forgets each seed of our dreams…

 In 1607, people from England began to go abroad. George Washington proclaimed independence from Britain in 1776. The United States consisted of 31 States in 1848. At present, there are 50 States.

 Throughout its long journey, the United States has achieved remarkable economic growth, individual wealth, and a spirit of independence through diligent and hard work, perseverance, and challenges.

 Now the American Dream is moving in another dimension of well-being such as sustainable development, quality of life, interdependence, and leisure activities.

 Lots of people still keep moving to the United States despite the climate crisis and various natural disasters. The American Dream has become the national ethos of the United States.

 The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that “all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Such lofty ideals as democracy, human rights, liberty, opportunity, freedom, and equality created and built up the idea of the American Dream, and this inspiring identity has given multicultural people the opportunity for prosperity and success.

 James Truslow Adams coined the term, “American Dream,” in 1931. He said that “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of one's social class or circumstances of birth.

 During the mid-to-late 19^th and early 20^th century in the United States, the Statue of Liberty was the inspiring sculpture of the country that many immigrants first saw when they arrived. It signified new opportunities in life and thus the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of the American Dream.

 People went to the United States in search of success and happiness. Pursuing the American Dream, lots of people in the world went to cultivate a better future. Many people still flood to better countries. Fleeing hardships, the borders of European countries are overcrowded with migrants as well.

 Naturally, hard work and perseverance have become core beliefs. Truly, the American people established economic development, individual wealth, and an independent life with the help of the challenging frontier life, the dream of the Puritans, and upward mobility.

 Benjamin Franklin, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (Mark Twain), “The Great Gatsby” (F. Scot Fitzgerald), and “Death of a Salesman” (Arthur Miller) reveal the spirit of those times.

 Besides the marvelous developments, another challenging task would be to realize sustainable development, quality of life, and mutual interdependence.

 It is said that 1.4 million startups were founded in 2020. It is very much the same until now. “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26).

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2023/01/162_343487.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Jan. 15 (online),16 (offline), 2023

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI 베네딕토 16세 명예 교황

 

"Gather, gather yourselves together, O nation without shame! Before you are driven away, like chaff that disappears; Before there comes upon you the blazing anger of the Lord; Before there comes upon you the day of the Lord's anger. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who have observed his law; Seek justice, seek humility; Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger." (Zephaniah 2:1-3)

In the midst of my annual retreat, especially reflecting on the theme of humility in the Bible, I joined in the community's thanksgiving prayer starting at 8 p.m. on the last day of December 2022.

In the middle of the prayer, the breaking news was announced: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) passed away at 9:34 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2022.

It seemed that the flowing piano rhythm of Mozart was reaching to the heavens above, thanks to him who enjoyed playing the piano. He had a preference for Mozart and Bach.

His nearby acquaintances witnessed that he never lost his temper and he always maintained composure and calmness regardless of the situation.

Benedict XVI was born the youngest on April 16, 1927, in Bavaria, Germany. Ordained as a priest in 1951, together with his elder brother, he began his academic career and became a highly regarded theologian. He was appointed a full professor in 1958 at the age of 31.

He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1977, and then he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in 1981. He also became Dean of the College of Cardinals in 2002. He was one of the closest confidants of John Paul II.

He was originally a liberal theologian but adopted conservative views. Thus, he emphasized returning to fundamental Christian values against increased secularization. Being a member of several social science academies, he was known as "the main intellectual force in the Catholic Church."

In addition to his native German language, he had some level of proficiency in French, Italian, English, and Spanish. He also knew Portuguese, Latin, Biblical Hebrew, and Biblical Greek.

He was elected pope in 2005 but he announced his resignation in February 2013 because of his "lack of strength of mind and body" coming from his advanced age. His resignation was the first such decision made by a pope since Gregory XII in 1415.

Before his election as pope, he wanted to retire to have free time to write, but he had to continue his post in obedience to Pope John Paul II.

In September 1991, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which slightly impaired his eyesight temporarily. A stroke caused by an age-related heart condition happens naturally to elderly people. He already had a pacemaker when he was still a cardinal.

He knew well both his capabilities as the pope and his human condition. He accepted the reality as it is in composure and finally chose resignation. Such is an act of humility.

In his well-known bestseller, "Jesus of Nazareth," he invites us to have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. "We are all called to open ourselves to the friendship with God... speaking to Him as to a friend, the only One who can make the world both good and happy..."

 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/01/162_342850.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ January 4 (online), 5 (offline), 2023

Chiara Corbella Petrillo 키아라 코르벨라 페트릴로

  

"Siamo Nati e Non Moriremo Mai Piu: Storia di Chiara Corbella Petrillo" ("We were born and we will never die again: the story of Chiara Corbella Petrillo") was first published in Italian in 2013, and it was translated into English under the title of "Chiara Corebella Petrillo: A Witness to Joy" in 2015. And finally, the Korean translation came out under the title of "Choice of Chiara" in November.

I read this book in one sitting on the train to my third sister's home in Daejeon. A thoroughly enjoyable read, the book caught my attention since it bears witness to the indescribable preciousness of life and the mysterious beauty of pain.

This book is a collection of testimonies about the life of Chiara (1984-2012), who is undergoing the process of Beatification as a servant of God. The book is a detailed chronological record of the journey of Chiara's response to the unfathomable will of God. Willingly saying "Yes" to the calling of God, Chiara was able to dance in pain, and thus, she lived in joy and peace to the end.

Born in 1984, Chiara was a devout Catholic. After dating Enrico for six years, she married him in 2008, but she had to face a special situation that is very difficult to imagine as a young person.

In spite of all the pain, she faithfully walked toward the kingdom of God and passed away on June 13, 2012, at the age of 28.

After her funeral, Enrico was unable to respond to all the requests for information on her. So, he consulted with his spiritual guide, Fr. Vito D'Amato, and asked Simone Troisi and Cristiana Paccini, who was close to Chiara, to write this book.

The book chronicles the two authors' perspectives and the memories of Chiara's relatives and friends who witnessed all the heart-wrenching moments that she went through with the firm belief that "God, the Father who loves me, will give me the best."

Chiara knew that her first and second babies would not live even if they were born due to serious disabilities in the womb. Nevertheless, she carried her children to the end and sent them to God with the birth.

When she was pregnant with her third child, she discovered cancer, but she delayed cancer treatment for fear of harming her fetus. With unchanging faith, she responded to the calling of God. Thus, she was able to dance in pain and live in joy and peace.

With the help of this faithful testimony of the couple who took care of life with love and acceptance, we are enlightened to believe that we are truly born for eternity and we will never die. How beautiful and marvelous it is to witness the holiness of living as a couple through the sacrament of marriage and the greatness of the power of love!

The first leading cause of death worldwide is abortion and the second leading cause of death is infectious diseases. It is said that more than 42.6 million abortions were performed worldwide last year alone. Over 3,000 abortions are performed a day in Korea. Considering this worldwide situation, this book draws much attention.

"I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you, life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)

 

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2022/12/162_342031.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ December 22, 2022

 

키아라 코르벨라 페트릴로

 

 "Siamo Nati e Non Moriremo Mai Piu: Storia di Chiara Corbella Petrillo"(우리는 태어났고 다시는 죽지 않을 것이다: 키아라 코르벨라 페트릴로 이야기)라는 책이 2013년 이탈리아어로 처음 출간되었다. 영어 번역본은 2015년 "Chiara Corebella Petrillo: A Witness to Joy"(키아라 코르벨라 페트릴로: 기쁨의 증인)이라는 제목으로 나왔고, 마침내 한국어 번역본이 지난 11월 "키아라의 선택"이라는 제목으로 출간되었다.

 나는 대전에 있는 셋째 언니 집으로 가는 기차 안에서 이 책을 단숨에 읽었다. 가독성이 있는 이 책은 내 눈길을 끌었다. 이루 형언할 수 없는 생명의 소중함과 신비로운 고통의 아름다움을 증언하기 때문이다.

 이 책은 하느님의 종으로 시복 절차를 밟고 있는 키아라(1984-2012)의 삶에 대한 증언 모음으로, 헤아릴 수 없는 하느님의 뜻에 키아라가 응답한 여정을 시간 순서대로 자세히 기록하고 있다. 하느님의 부르심에 기꺼이 "예"라고 응답한 키아라는 고통 속에서도 춤을 추었고 마지막 순간까지 기쁘고 평화롭게 살았다.

 1984년에 태어난 키아라는 신심 깊은 가톨릭 신자였다. 키아라는 엔리코와 6년 동안 사귄 다음 2008년에 결혼했지만 젊은이로서 상상하기 어려운 특별한 상황에 직면해야 했다.

 그 모든 고통 속에서도 키아라는 하느님 나라를 향해 충실히 걸어갔으며, 2012년 6월 13일 향년 28세의 나이에 세상을 떠났다.

 장례식이 끝난 다음 곳곳에서 키아라에 대한 온갖 정보를 요청하자 엔리코는 대처할 수 없었다. 그래서 엔리코는 자신의 영적 지도 신부인 비토 다마토 신부와 상의하여 키아라와 절친했던 시모네 트로이시와 크리스티아나 파치니에게 이 책을 쓰도록 부탁했다.

 이 책은 두 저자의 관점은 물론, "나를 사랑하시는 아버지 하느님께서 나에게 가장 좋은 것을 주시리라"는 굳센 믿음으로 키아라가 겪어낸 모든 가슴 아픈 순간을 목격한 친지와 벗들의 기억을 기록하고 있다.

 키아라는 태중에서 시작된 심각한 장애로 첫아이와 둘째 아이를 출산한다 해도 살아남지 못한다는 것을 알고 있었다. 그럼에도 키아라는 마지막 순간까지 아이를 품었고 출산과 함께 하느님께 돌려보내 드렸다.

 셋째 아이를 가졌을 때 키아라는 자신이 암에 걸린 것을 발견하였지만 태아에 해가 될까 염려하여 항암 치료를 미루었다. 키아라는 변함없는 믿음으로 하느님의 부르심에 응답하여 고통 속에서 춤을 추며 기쁘고 평화롭게 살 수 있었다.

 사랑과 받아들임으로 생명을 아끼며 돌본 이 부부의 신실한 증언 덕분에 우리는 참으로 영원을 향해 태어났고 결코 죽지 않으리라는 것을 믿는다. 혼인성사를 통해 부부로서 함께 살아가는 거룩함과 위대한 사랑의 힘을 보여주는 것은 참으로 아름답고 놀랍기만 하다!

 세계적으로 첫 번째 주요 사망 원인은 낙태이고 두 번째 주요 사망 원인은 전염병이다. 지난 한 해에만 세계적으로 4260만 건이 넘는 낙태가 이루어졌다고 한다. 한국에서는 하루에 3,000건이 넘는 낙태가 이루어지고 있다. 이러한 세계적 상황을 고려할 때 이 책은 많은 눈길을 끈다.

 “나는 오늘 하늘과 땅을 증인으로 세우고, 생명과 죽음, 축복과 저주를 너희 앞에 내놓았다. 너희와 너희 후손이 살려면 생명을 선택해야 한다.” (신명기 30,19)

Short memory, good memory 짧은 기억, 좋은 기억

 "He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.'" (Luke 22:19)

When Jesus gave himself for people and, thus, instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist, he recommended them to "do this in memory of me."

As far as we remember his love realized through his death and resurrection, we will do the same as a sign of love for others in our daily lives.

However, because our memory is short, we often forget about his testimony and live freely without thinking.

How large would be the space of our memory? It is said that the human brain is composed of 100 billion nerve cells (neurons), of which only about 1 billion are considered to be "pyramid cells" related to long-term memory.

Lots of information are just passing away. Otherwise, we will be very tired of keeping memories. It is good to have a good memory and it is also good to have a short memory. Some memories appear like a flashlight while some memories disappear like a firefly.

"When is the date of birth of your father?"

It was one of the questions in the "DS-160," online nonimmigrant visa application. I had to answer various questions within a limited time.

At that moment, I couldn't remember the date of birth of my father at once. Right away, I took a look at the certificate of my family relationship, but it didn't appear because of some problem with the computerization in the administration office.

I tried to remember, but it didn't come to my mind immediately when I faced the question. In the end, I simply replied: "I don't know."

Finally consulting my eldest brother, I was informed that my father's birthday is May 14.

One day, when I visited the Catholic Common Ossuary Cemetery in Sannae, I noticed his birthday written on his nameplate.

Now, I will never forget the birthday of my father who was born on May 14, 1914, and passed away on Oct. 13, 1976, when I was in middle school.

From my second brother, I heard that our grandfather went to Japan during the colonial era and died there by accident. So, nobody in my family talked much about my grandfather. Left alone, my grandmother Susanna Cho raised two sons.

When my father married my mother, he was baptized with the Christian name "Gosma" and his younger brother was named "Damiano."

Even though my father didn't study at school, he had a very special talent as a carpenter. So, he was fully occupied with building and repairing the houses every day.

The first article I wrote for "Thoughts of the Times" in 1989 was about my father, but I couldn't find the file. In search of it, I recently went to National Assembly Library. How glad when I found it! I remember I wrote it as a sign of a turning point in my life.

"Remember clearly what the Lord, your God, did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the great testings which your own eyes have seen, the signs and wonders, the strong hand and outstretched arm with which the Lord, your God, brought you out." (Deuteronomy 7:18-19)

 

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/12/162_341345.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ December 13 (online), 14 (offline), 2022

 

짧은 기억, 좋은 기억

 

“예수님께서는 또 빵을 들고 감사를 드리신 다음, 그것을 떼어 사도들에게 주시며 말씀하셨다. ‘이는 너희를 위하여 내어 주는 내 몸이다. 너희는 나를 기억하여 이를 행하여라.’”(루카 22,19)

 예수님께서 사람들을 위해 당신 자신을 내어 주며 성체성사를 세우셨을 때, 예수님은 사람들에게 “나를 기억하여 이를 행하여라” 하고 권고하셨다.

 예수님의 죽음과 부활을 통해 실현된 그 사랑을 기억하는 한 우리는 일상 가운데 다른 사람들을 향한 사랑의 표시로 그처럼 행할 것이다.

그런데 우리는 기억력이 짧아 예수님의 증언을 자주 잊어버린 채 아무 생각 없이 자유롭게 살아간다.

 우리 기억의 공간은 얼마나 클까? 인간의 뇌는 1,000억 개의 신경 세포(뉴런)로 이루어져 있으며, 그 가운데 장기 기억과 관련된 “피라미드 세포”는 10억여 개에 지나지 않는다고 한다.

 많은 정보가 스쳐 지나간다. 그렇지 않으면 끊임없이 기억하느라 우리는 몹시 지칠 것이다. 기억력이 좋은 것은 좋은 일이고 기억력이 짧은 것도 좋은 일이다. 어떤 기억들은 손전등처럼 나타나고, 또 어떤 기억들은 반딧불이처럼 사라진다.

“아버지의 생년월일이 언제입니까?”

 이 물음은 온라인 비이민 비자 신청서인 “DS-160”에 나온 물음 가운데 하나다. 나는 제한된 시간 안에 여러 물음에 답해야 했다.

 그 순간 나는 아버지의 생년월일을 곧바로 기억하지 못했다. 이내 가족관계증명서를 살펴보았지만 행정실의 전산화 문제로 날짜가 표기되어 있지 않았다.

 나는 기억해내려고 애썼지만 질문에 직면했을 때 곧바로 떠오르지 않았다. 결국 나는 "모릅니다" 하고 대답했다.

 큰오빠께 여쭤본 결과 아버지 생신이 5월 14일이라는 것을 알았다.

 어느 날, 산내에 있는 가톨릭 공동 납골당 묘지를 찾아갔을 때 아버지의 명패에 생신이 적혀 있는 것을 보았다.

 이제 나는 아버지 생신을 결코 잊어버리지 않을 것이다. 아버지는 1914년 5월 14일에 태어나 1976년 10월 13일에 돌아가셨다. 그 당시 나는 중학생이었다.

 나는 우리 할아버지가 식민지 시대에 일본에 가셨다가 그곳에서 사고로 돌아가셨다는 이야기를 둘째 오빠한테서 들었다. 그래서인지 우리 가족 가운데 아무도 할아버지에 대해 말을 많이 하지 않았다. 홀몸이 되신 할머니 조 수산나께서 두 아들을 키우셨다.

 아버지가 어머니와 결혼했을 때 아버지는 “고스마”라는 이름으로 세례를 받았고 아버지의 동생은 “다미아노”라는 이름으로 세례를 받았다.

 아버지는 비록 학교에서 공부하지 않으셨지만 목수로서 매우 특별한 재능을 가지고 계셨다. 그래서 아버지는 날마다 집을 짓고 수리하는 일에 분주했다.

 1989년, 내가 처음으로 “Thoughts of the Times”에 낸 글은 아버지에 대한 것이었는데, 그 파일을 찾을 수 없었다. 그 글을 찾아 최근 국회도서관에 갔는데, 이를 발견했을 때 얼마나 반가웠는지 모른다! 내 삶의 전환점의 표지로 그 글을 썼던 것을 나는 기억한다.

 “너희는 주 너희 하느님께서 파라오와 온 이집트에 하신 일을 똑똑히 기억하여라. 너희가 두 눈으로 본 큰 재앙들, 그리고 주 너희 하느님께서 표징과 기적들을 일으키시며 강한 손과 뻗은 팔로 너희를 이끌어 내신 것을 기억하여라.”(신명기 7,18-19)