Many of us who know Jesuits became acquainted with them through Jesuit run educational institutions. I, for one, count as most influential those Jesuits who have been my teachers, mentors, and friends.
Many Jesuits go on after theology studies and ordination for "special studies" where they specialize in some area of study that interests them. One man may decide to write a dissertation on Karl Rahner, another on Whale Bone Scrimshaw, and still another on the fusion of taste horizons in each individual Pez candy. The options are unlimited.
I've toyed with the notion of being a Jesuit-chef. I'd love to go to cooking school and, provided that I don't lop off a finger cutting parsley (which I'm most apt to do) I think it'd be a wonderful profession. I think a proper meal is a wonderful expression of hospitality, a ministry that is most appealing to my sensibilities. And yet, I can't help but wonder if I might not make one hell of a bartender. Don't mis-interpret this: I wouldn't want to do it so that I could become a lush, but rather so that I could prepare wonderful tasting beverages that would, umm, help potential donors loosen the grip on their purses and wallets.
I'm not much of a drinker, really. I *LOVE* a nice pint of Guinness or a lovely glass of Dortmunder Gold (Great Lakes Brewery in Cleveland makes it and it is FANTASTIC). I also enjoy a nice bottle of red wine from time to time. But I'm not much for the mixed drink - the ones I like are often deemed "too fruity" (both literally and pejoratively. I think, however, that I'd be willing to learn how to make mixed drinks and Margaritas, if only to be of service to my fellow pilgrims on this spiritual journey.
Besides, it'd be a total revolution for the Sacrament of Confession. How many bartenders already hear the confessions of patrons? I'd be taking the sacrament to the people themselves, insinuating myself into their very own environment. I'd be of the people, for the people!
Or, as it would likely happen, I would develop my own drinking problem and end up locked in my room plotting against the Amish and conspiring to take over FoodTV.
3 comments:
The idea of a religious chef is not new. Back in the late 80s Jeff Smith, an ordained minister, had a cooking show on PBS called The Frugal Gourmet. Mr. Smith said he had “taken my pulpit to television,” helping spread a message of the “joy of feasting” and he maintained that food was an avenue toward understanding among cultures.
As long as the finger you chop off isn’t needed for your priestly duties (consecration, operating the bingo machine, counting the collection money), you just might have defined your future mission.
In lieu of a Masters in Philosophy you could attend culinary school followed by an in depth wine appreciation class so that you know what to pair with your meals and add to that a short class on cigars just to give the dining experience a nice finish. The Jesuits will woo future benefactors by inviting them to a dinner prepared by you. Talk about Magis and being a man for others - Wow.
Nancy Loren
I was just catching up on your last few entries. Here's a helpful hint about fireants- treat the bites with chili powder! Fire ants are a big menace in Florida too. I guess its true you really can treat fire with fire. Peace.
Dianne
Hi Ryan! While I occasionally read your blog, I have yet to leave a comment. However, your mentioning bar tending and confession reminded me of a M*A*S*H episode where Father was feeling so down because people weren't needing him that he took over as the bar tender at the Officer's Bar and listened to Klinger and Margaret as they remented on past happenings in their lives and the parts they played. He held his hand to the side of his face and kept asking "Now what can I help you with my child?" It was a great episode. Hope you are doing well--mj (RL,JCU)
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