Acuerpar - literally, to give the body in support and protection of another.
Acuerpar is one of my favorite Spanish words. It is hard to translate or define a word that is so full of imagery, so allow me to guide your imagination into the picture of this beautiful word.
Acuerpar is to embrace, uphold, protect, and support. Acuerpar is the deeply embodied reality of human interdependence. Nos acuerpamos when we choose proximity to those in the struggle and literally offer our bodies to hold one another. To be acuerpada by others is like putting on an armor of protection or being wrapped in a blanket of safety. When I think of this word, I see bodies standing next to each other in a protest. I also see Christ’s body - the body of Jesus of Nazareth and the body we call Church.
Acuerpándonos, the name of this newsletter, denotes a present and active mode of being; this word requires the presence of at least two bodies participating in the act of embracing, upholding, protecting, and supporting one another. I chose this name because it represents my dream for the Church and the world at large. So, come along and participate in my theological reflections on lo cotidiano and imagine with me what true acuerpamiento can look like for the Church and the world.