Courtesy Easter Almuena
Reflection by Easter Almuena
Special to the Herald
At 62 years of age, I graduated in May with a master’s degree in education with concentration in applied behavior analysis.
It was a wonderful journey of learning, mostly of learning about the Scriptures: “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). This became my inspiration to listen to or read along with Father Mike Schmitz’s “The Bible in a Year” podcast.
Jesus is primordial, the model for us to follow, so I would wake up as early as 4 a.m. to learn the Scriptures, to meditate upon the readings and to pray them. I would study for my master’s courses in the afternoon or the evening.
Little did I know that God was shaping my way of thinking. I work with children with autism in the school setting. I noticed how I would be more patient and compassionate, and to put things in the light of prayer.
Sometimes, I spent more time learning about Scriptures than my studies to earn a degree. I noticed how though there were struggles, I had the strength to cope with the schedule and understand the subject contents.
I finished strong with a 4.0, but all that is because God speaks so clearly of what he can do when we put him first, when we make him our priority. I am in my second round of “The Bible in a Year” at day 228, and I am loving this knowledge that opens my mind to growing in learning new things.
Easter Almuena, wife of Deacon Joe Almuena, graduated on May 6 from Arizona State University’s online program with a master of arts degree in special education. She also has a master’s in pastoral theology from Chaminade University. At the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace she and Deacon Joe work together on some of the faith formation ministries and recently restarted the young adults group.