Taking it from the top: last weekend was action-packed. I traveled to Virginia with Nadia to find an Olive Garden (Endless salad and bread sticks?! How do they do it?), went on a boat cruise (at left) on the Potomac with Donna , and went to church with the Supreme Court. Yes, you read that last item correctly. Have you ever heard of the Red Mass? It's an annual Catholic Mass held for people in the legal profession (e.g., lawyers, judges, professors, students, etc.). There's a world-famous one always held in D.C.--here's what Wikipedia has to say about it:"One of the better-known Red Masses is the one celebrated each fall at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. on the Sunday before the first Monday in October (the Supreme Court convenes on the first Monday in October). It is sponsored by the John Carroll Society and attended by Justices of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, the diplomatic corps, the Cabinet and other government departments and sometimes the President of the United States."
St. Matthew's was very cool, in a cathedral sort of way. As you can see from the photo (at right), it's got a lot going on, aesthetically. I was particularly intrigued by a small squirrel hanging out at the feet of one of the angels in the arch... any thoughts as to the symbolism? I attended the Mass with some other Catholic students from Georgetown Law, and we definitely spotted Justices Roberts, Alito, and Thomas... and I think I saw Scalia, but it was from a distance. I'm something of a nerd, so I created Supreme Court Justice flashcards (with photos) for my iPhone so as to ensure that I could properly identify all of the justices. Don't judge me. (Ha ha... don't judge me... ahem. I'll stop, now.) There were tons of important church leaders there, as well, including several archbishops, Cardinal Foley (he gave the homily), tons of bishops, and the leaders of the John Carroll Society, which is, for all intents and purposes, the who's who of Catholic professionals in D.C. After the Mass, I used my sweet Georgetown connections to get a seat at the John Carroll Society brunch. I sat at a table with a recently retired Georgetown Law professor and his wife, and they were great. I hope I'm that sociable when I'm 79 years old.This week was primarily consumed by academics, but there were some other things going on as well. I watched the debate on Tuesday, which wasn't nearly as entertaining as the vice presidential debate, obviously, but still had its moments. I was watching with other students in my dorm, which made for a delightful evening of tongue-in-cheek commentary.
A few weeks ago, I had mentioned the Catholic Forum, and the potential formation of a small group Bible study. What I neglected to mention was that, well, I am co-leading that Bible study with a fellow 1L, Mike. At first, I was sort of shocked that there wasn't a Bible study at Georgetown, but then I saw and felt the need for Bible study here, and, after prayerful consideration, I was compelled to answer that call. Mike and I have been meeting and discussing and planning, and last night we had our first small group gathering. To put it frankly: we were the only two people to show up. Drat! I think we need more publicity. I mean, I baked a cake! You'd think that luring people with dessert would be more effective. Regardless, we are not disheartened by this turnout; this is not about us, but about God. All we can do is serve, and see what happens. Please, keep the small group in your prayers.
Today, after my Civil Procedure practice exam, I went for a long walk. I had vague thoughts of going to the National Archives, but the lines were gargantuan (darn you, schoolchildren!), so I walked across the street to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. So cool! As the name suggests, it is a garden with a myriad of sculptures. I'm glad I discovered it, because it seems like a good place to get lost in thought for a little while. My favorite sculpture was a gigantic spider (at left) by Louise Bourgeois, who, according to the blurb in the garden's pamphlet, has many works featuring spiders that appear as "looming and powerful protectresses, yet are nurturing, delicate, and vulnerable." I found this seemingly contradictory imagery intriguing, since I often associate spiders with my own mother, who has an affinity for the macabre.After the garden, I meandered up and down the Mall for a while. I probably walked a good five miles, all told. I really miss walking. I realize that sentence sounds absurd, but allow me to elaborate. After four years of walking several miles daily in Berkeley, I truly feel its absence in my life living on-campus at Georgetown Law. The time spent walking was an opportunity to think, to observe, and often to pray. It's a challenge to build that caliber of contemplation and quietude into my day here. I miss walking.
I have high hopes for this weekend. We get Columbus Day (a.k.a., Indigenous Peoples' Day) off, which is lovely. I have high aspirations for productivity, but I'm also a bit worn out from this week, so that extra day will afford me the opportunity to be constructive by recharging as well as working. Peace, guys.
