I have walked past Billy’s Tacos in Rome at least a dozen times and there is never a customer. As a business person, who has depended on people liking my skills, I have felt sorry for this owner but not sorry enough to visit. Compassion and empathy should be balanced with good judgement but the lack of business makes me suspicious. I have also walked past so many people in the past months who remind me of someone back home. It gives me an idea of the links to Europa and heritage of these friends. Today was another museo I had passed on, but, since I’m packing, and it was close, I was thrilled to learn some of the medieval history that was clumsily diminished by modernizers. I know there are times in my life I would like to diminish but, let’s face it, it is all part of the story of me and of you. So much Roma was lost forever. I remember a drawing from 1740 of a football game. Many more paintings of Jesus with men – maybe James or John or Peter. At one painting – I thought the Trinity was depicted but just people with Jesus. I will be the first to admit that I don’t understand how 100% man + 100% God works. It is a mystery. I also saw some kissing of the Pope’s feet. There is a beggar sitting in the corner of that painting who is as precious to God as that Pope. I have been in many, many churches and have a new habit of kneeling in prayer and lighting a candle for my family. It is my heart and the heart of God that is being represented – nothing magical. Mary nursing is a frequent theme. Again – I am no theologian. I think some early church leaders got hung up of this matter. Mary was the mother of the 100% human Jesus and not the 100% God part. I could be off the mark and I don’t wish to offend my catholic friends. Her nursing was taking care of her son. Mary is usually depicted as young and pretty and with a very roman nose in Rome and I prefer the paintings where she is fully clothed. I look forward to meeting her in Heaven. I know some consider her the queen of Heaven but that is not in the bible. If God loves me as much as he loves Jesus and I am His adopted daughter – chosen – then Jesus loves each woman as much as He loves Mary – just my opinion.
I am very happy to have come to Rome and more happy to be heading home. I did shop today for grand -people t-shirts. It has been too long since I have seen these growing sweet people so hoping I guessed right on Rome-sizing. Sorry – big people – my suitcase is too small for big t-shirts! Now back to my notes on Don and the Trinity. The Bible reveals God as three persons united in essence and purpose. God is one: Deut 6:4 and Mark 12 :29. 1 X 1 X 1 = one. My own science example is water in liquid form, solid in ice, and steam. One essence and the same material doing different things. Father + Son + Holy Spirit = One. Father is God: John 20:11 and John 20:17. Jesus is God: John 1:1 and John 20:28. The Holy Spirit is God: Acts 5:3-4. Their nature is the same. God is valuable and it obligates us to choose Him. Remember – three distinct persons and hard to explain. There are mysteries surrounding these relationships and one day I will see clearly.
Wish I had worn makeup!