donalddeanchambers

Messy Waves

Perched some distance from the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, Blocked by a messy marketplace of coconut, guava, sea grapes, and some unrecognizable trees, I tempered my raging anger towards the trees for obstructing my long anticipated view of the resplendent Caribbean Sea. Then an idea interfered with my mindful moment, “Close yourContinue reading “Messy Waves”

The Wind of Change

We cannot see it. We cannot touch it. We cannot smell it. We cannot taste it. We cannot hear it. It moves objects and people. That movement we see. It touches us – gently and forcefully. It makes us smell odours – sweet-scented and foul. It makes objects vibrate creating sounds for us to hear.Continue reading “The Wind of Change”

The Mystery of the Human Person – COMPOSITION OF OPPOSITES

We are finite existing in the infinite of God. We are selfish, yet selfless. We are good, yet evil exists within. We are adults yet have childish and childlike ways. We are liberals, yet conservative. We are rich in some areas of life, and poor in others. We have earthly powers, yet powerless. We haveContinue reading “The Mystery of the Human Person – COMPOSITION OF OPPOSITES”

Fifth Sunday in Lent: Actor and Protagonist

Pondering today’s gospel reading of the woman caught committing adultery (Jn 8: 1–11), I sense three protagonists and one antagonist on the stage of Jesus’ mission as mentioned in the Synod Preparatory Document (17–21). The primary actor is Jesus. He “pays attention to those who are separated from God (sinners and the poor) and thoseContinue reading “Fifth Sunday in Lent: Actor and Protagonist”

Fourth Sunday in Lent: Lesson in a visit to the zoo

“. . . with a little boy to lead them” (Isaiah 11: 6) Recently, I had a light bulb moment. I finally realised the significance of a child in leading the People of God on the Synod logo. What was the context of the revelation? As part of my babysitting, I took a two-and-a-half-year-old boyContinue reading “Fourth Sunday in Lent: Lesson in a visit to the zoo”

Reflection on the Visit to the Caribbean of the Descendants of the English Oppressors – William and Kate

Born in Africa. Lived in Africa. Flourished in Africa. Established illustrious civilization and academics in Africa. Celebrated God, ancestral spirits, and community in Africa. Then. . . the rape of Africa. Betrayed in Africa. Chained in Africa. Stolen from Africa. And “Africa was stolen.” Shipped from Africa. Forced in the belly of the beast. PrayedContinue reading “Reflection on the Visit to the Caribbean of the Descendants of the English Oppressors – William and Kate”

Third Sunday of Lent – Convert to become fruitful

Synod through Lent: “Convert to become fruitful” The word ‘conversion’ appears ten times in the synod handbook, Vademecum. Its frequency is a critical clue to a primary fruit which Pope Francis hopes the People of God will experience while on the synodal journey. “As Peter was changed by his experience with Cornelius, so too weContinue reading “Third Sunday of Lent – Convert to become fruitful”

Second Sunday in Lent – Transfiguration Moments

Synodality and Catechesis

The spirit and guidelines of the Synodal journey (2021-2023) is without doubt a gift to all, including catechists – teachers or formators of the faith. Located on one end of the seesaw, there is catechesis that is defined as “. . .an education in the faith of children, young people, and adults . . .”Continue reading “Synodality and Catechesis”

Resumption of Vale Royal talks — a long-awaited gift

Dear Editor, With news emerging about the resurrection of the Vale Royal talks and the positive feedback, especially from the Opposition, it leaves me to utter, “God is not sleeping.” In a letter published in the Jamaica Observer on Monday, January 3, 2022 I wrote, “The best new year’s gift that Andrew Holness can give Jamaica is notContinue reading “Resumption of Vale Royal talks — a long-awaited gift”