Author Archives: donalddeanchambers

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13). In the Mediterranean world of Jesus, salt is an essential ingredient to provide fuel for their earthenware ovens. Camel or donkey dung is collected, mixed with salt, molded in patties, and placed in the sun to dry.  A slab ofContinue reading “Discipleship and Sacrifice”

Two teachers gifted me with the terms “helicopter parents” and “lawnmower parents” based on their years in the profession. “Helicopter parents” always hover over or scrutinize every move of their children, imprisoning them with their eyes, and not allowing them to venture into unchartered territories on their own.   “Lawnmower parents” utilize their energy and resourcesContinue reading “Helicopter and Lawnmower Parents”

A ten-year-old boy stands unassumingly on stage in front of the “Britain’s Got Talent” judges. First, he’s asked common questions such as his name and age.  Then, the bombshell response to the question, “Are you confident about winning the competition?”  With honesty written all over the boy’s face, he says, “No!” The audience erupts withContinue reading “Honesty”

In the sacristy before Mass, I briefly conversed with two altar servers, a ten-year-old male and a fifteen-year-old female. With piercing eyes looking up at me, the ten year says, “You are old.” Rebutting, the fifteen-year-old says, “No!  That’s not true. Father looks young.” This back-and-forth conversation persisted until it was time to leave forContinue reading “Perspectives, Data and Intuition”

Fifteen minutes before the start of the Eucharistic celebration at the Living Water Community Chapel, I was having a silent moment in the children’s room, separated from the main worship area by a glass window. Sitting meditatively, Antonio, an eight-year-old boy, quietly stood eye-to-eye with me.   “You are missing something. Guess what it is?” heContinue reading “Antonio’s Holy Moment”

When yuh hear de riddim and de iron And de man wit de congo drum In de engine room Is ah vibes in de session When we jamming to de steelpan Come and join de lime, grab yuh bottle and spoon Is ah party in de engine room In de engine room we go jamContinue reading “De Sabbath of Lent”

Its carpet-like grass  Its wide expansive space Its huge umbrella-like shady trees. It’s devoted coconut vendors. It’s a tranquil ambiance.  It’s an oasis amidst a bustling noisy city, Drawing people to play, compete, relax, chill, exercise, party, buy and sell.  Like the Savannah Grass Human attraction to each other is initiated by external beauty WeContinue reading “Savannah Grass*”

God becomes incarnate in the parochialism of space and time. Present yet limited. . . God’s incarnation transcends the parochialism of Israel, Palestine, and Judaism to the universalism of the earth and beyond.  From . . . . . . Palestine to occupied Pakistan, . . . Israel to Icacos, . . . Bethlehem toContinue reading “Incarnation – From parochialism to universalism”

I feel like a wounded animal. I feel emotionally fragile. I feel emotionally sensitive. I feel emotionally vulnerable. My wound may be small as a pinhead, But it feels like a colossal mountain. Even the gentle touch of a finger Feels like a massive ton of bricks. What do I need now? I need. .Continue reading “Wounded Animal”