Misfits For Christ

Second Sunday of Lent (A)

 

Did you miss me?  : )

First, a brief personal comment.  Then, my reflection on this Sunday’s readings.

Whenever I do not send out a post, it is usually because I have been hit with a significant headache and find it painful to look at a glowing display. On one Saturday, the headache was so bad, and my efforts to control it so futile, that I had no choice but to cancel Confessions and Mass that afternoon. Mass in front of a larger crowd – as one would get on Sundays – is doubly difficult for me. I feel the energy flow from all these people hitting me, as though I were standing right in front of a bright spotlight.  I also am very sensitive to certain sounds. It’s called hyperacusis. The crinkling of a cough drop wrapper, or someone whispering in the back, can be annoying, even painful, for me.  I cannot go to the annual Chrism Mass because it is not sensory-friendly, nor is anyone there likely to turn down the music volume just for me.  The solution is to have Mass only for small groups at the most.  This also is in harmony with my contemplative calling.  My psychologist’s recommendation agrees with this.  It looks like I’ll need to hang in there for another year before I can have this happen for me.  I simply can’t afford to make ends meet otherwise – not until I am old enough to begin to collect Social Security (June 2021).   Please keep me in your prayers so that I can survive in the meantime. Continue reading “Misfits For Christ”

The Cross of Autism

Palm Sunday (C)

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness”. I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  – 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

For this post, I am doing something different. I offer you a post by Aimée O’Connell, the founder of The Mission of Saint Thorlak, called “The Cross of Autism”.  Although her post focuses on the experience of people on the autism spectrum, it can also apply to anyone seeking to follow the Lord more faithfully in their lives. I include this not only because I find it quite well-done, but mainly because it is an example of how autism ministry is not only about what the Church as a whole can offer to those with autism, but also about what those with autism can offer the Church as a whole.

And so, without further ado, here it is! Continue reading “The Cross of Autism”

Does Anybody See What I See?

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B): Mark 12:38-44

Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?

– John Adams, from the musical “1776

Jesus is sitting opposite the treasury in the Temple as we encounter him in this Sunday’s Gospel, observing people as they make their donations. Why is he there? What is he looking for?

At this point in Mark’s Gospel, it is Holy Week. Holy Thursday would happen in a day or two. Jesus has been preparing his disciples for what is about to happen. They have tried to understand him and to follow him, but they aren’t quite there yet. Jesus knows that their faith will be severely tested very soon. What might help them survive that hour?  Continue reading “Does Anybody See What I See?”

A Thorn In The Flesh?

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.” – 2 Corinthians 12:7

In this Sunday’s second reading, Paul presents us with this well-known image of the “thorn in the flesh”. Anyone who has handled roses or similar plants can get a feel for the image. A thorn in one’s skin is painful and not always easy to dislodge. It is an unwelcome nuisance. At times, people use the image of a “thorn in the flesh” to refer to someone they find difficult to deal with or tolerate; someone who offers them a severe test of their patience. Is this what Paul means when he writes this to the Corinthians, though?  Continue reading “A Thorn In The Flesh?”