Author Archive
Jamie Arpin-Ricci
Following Francis: The Veneration of (Imperfect) Saints
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
When people find out that I am 3rd Order Franciscan and that I have written a book that reflects on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, it is not uncommon for some to do a double take. “You’re not Catholic, right?” When I tell that I am actually a Mennonite pastor, they might say, “You should really be careful. Catholics worship saints and that is idolatry.” And so, taking a deep breath, I try to patiently explain the difference between adoration- that which is due to God alone- and veneration- that which is appropriate in honor of those deserving of our esteem and recognition. Usually, they leave unconvinced.
In fairness, some Roman Catholics have lost this distinction, especially in cultures where folk-religions are syncretistically embraced (though the hero worship in parts of Evangelicalism deserves some hard scrutiny too). Even when we don’t go so far as worship of the saints, it is not uncommon for us to embrace exaggerated version of these women and men, painting pictures of super-human holy people who stand above (and thus somewhat distant from) humanity. St. Francis is no exception, a saint all too commonly placed on so high a pedestal, he can only ever be revered.
A Sentient Nationalism
Sunday, July 3rd, 2011
It often feels as though I live my life between worlds. I am a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. My mother is French Canadian, my father Italian Canadian. My wife is Australian and my son is Ethiopian. The questions of identity, culture and nationality seem to be increasingly complex in our increasingly small world. This weekend, both nations that shape my nationalities, celebrate their national identity.
They are days of fun, family and (depending on which side of the border you are on) patriotism- Canadians and Americans both carry a great deal of national pride, even if they do express themselves quite differently. There are days where I increasingly find myself reflecting on what it means to be Canadian/American.
Did I Just Tweak Jesus’ Nipple?
Sunday, June 26th, 2011
“Jamie, can I ask you something?” Jimmy, our homeless friend, was being unusually cautious with me. We were sitting in our living room, gathered for our weekly potluck and worship at Little Flowers Community, the inner city church we planted. As an adventurous hitchhiker, we never knew when he would show up, but we were always pleased when he’d stop by.
On this trip he’d moved in with us for a few months, riding out the bitterly cold Canadian winter. Jimmy is a great guy- generous, kind and really very funny. He also lives with severe, untreated mental illness, subjecting him to dark visions and fearful hallucinations, usually involving demons and vampires out to get him.
Mona Lisa and Jesus
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
Few paintings throughout the world are as well known as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (or La Gioconda, as the Italians refer to her). The image is also one of the most reproduced of any other, not only in literal copies, but in all manor of creative “twists” on the original. With up to 6 million people visiting her in the Louvre every year, she is considered the most famous painting in the world.
It is surprising for many viewers, then, when they find themselves underwhelmed by the experience. Guides at the Louvre have noticed many people walk away confused, perplexed and even frustrated. Many go home, complaining that they didn’t get out of the experience what they had hoped. “What was all the hoopla, anyway?” they wonder and some never give the mysterious lady another thought.
While the Blood Dries: Loving Our Enemies
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
Tonight I drove my close friend Michelle to the airport for an unexpected trip home to Denver. Hours earlier she had received a phone call from her mother share news that no one can be prepared for. That evening, someone had shot and killed her aunt and uncle in their home. The two youngest children were also shot and were being flown to Denver for emergency treatment. At that time, no other information was available. We were stunned. Michelle was in shock, which was understandable.
As I sat waiting to bring her to the airport, I found myself imagining the horrible scenario in my head, trying to make sense of this great tragedy. In my years as an inner city missionary and pastor, I have seen violence and death more than I care to think about. However, the thought of someone willfully turning a gun on helpless children chilled me to my heart. What kind of a person could do such a thing?
