Today at a chapter meeting, my "cloistered brothers," were talking about the masks we wear. As children we wear masks to please our parents. Old children learn to wear different masks: for teachers, for friends, and parents. Teens especially try on different masks: tough guys, nerds, jocks, goths, etc.
In prison, especially, you had better wear the appropriate masks or you will have a miserable life. But which is the real you? Are you a conglomerate of all your masks?
The lone Franciscan in our group, opined. St. Francis said, "I am what I am."
The Dominicans jumped in with a laugh and said, Popeye said that. I y'am what I y'am.
