"Friedman’s dissection of globalization is a valiant attempt at explaining and understanding the forces driving the flattening of the world, though he admits that the very nature of beast prevents one from having all of the answers. This candor is in keeping with the theme of the entire book, in that we must learn how to learn, teaching ourselves to stay curious and innovative, if we are to excel in a global economy."  The World is Flat: Wiki Book Summaries.

We must "learn how to learn" and "stay curious" if we are to understand let alone live in a global world.  This notion seems to mark the difference between cultures which continue through time and those which eventually implode on themselves.  Curious suggests an acknowledgment we don't know all, that there is always more to learn.  Learn how to learn suggests that the very process by which we know and understand is always evolving.  Both suggest a certain humility.

This Sunday, Bishop Probal Dutta, his wife Ms. Rita Dutta, The Rev. Swagata Das (Rector of St. Michael's Parish in Durgapur), and Ms. Archana Dey (Chairman of the Companion Diocese Committee) will join us at the 9:00 am and 11:15 liturgies as well as the Adult Forum at 10:10 am.  These are not simply opportunities to meet persons from the other side of the globe.  They are opportunities to learn to learn and opportunities to exercise curiosity. 

When I reflect on the things that over the years have converted me, the things that have changed, transformed how I think let alone what I think, I realize it has seldom been things I have read.  I am converted by human beings.  I am converted by interaction with others.  I am converted by opening my heart, soul, mind, and strength to others.

I am not sure what the Bishop Dutta, Rita, Swagata and Archana will offer to us this Sunday.   I do believe we will be more full human beings and a more full community for their being with us.  In their flesh they bespeak our connectedness, our oneness with all of humanity.  In our encounter with them we will be reminded that they need us and we need them if we are to learn and live as God calls us.

Please join us in welcoming our companions this Sunday.

Peace,

Todd Donatelli