In continuing our Respect Life Month here in October, there is one component to cherishing all life that may not get as much attention as it should: the integration of the disabled and special needs in our lives and our church. Pope Francis spoke about the need to be inclusive and engaging for those around us that may see the world a little differently, or have challenges to overcome:
Yet what an illusion it is when people today shut their eyes in the face of sickness and disability! They fail to understand the real meaning of life, which also has to do with accepting suffering and limitations. The world does not become better because only apparently “perfect” people live there – I say “perfect” rather than “false” – but when human solidarity, mutual acceptance and respect increase. How true are the words of the Apostle: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27)!
This Sunday’s Gospel (Lk 7:36-8:3) presents us with a specific situation of weakness. The woman caught in sin is judged and rejected, yet Jesus accepts and defends her: “She has shown great love” (7:47). This is the conclusion of Jesus, who is attentive to her suffering and her plea. This tenderness is a sign of the love that God shows to those who suffer and are cast aside. Suffering need not only be physical; one of today’s most frequent pathologies is also spiritual. It is a suffering of the heart; it causes sadness for lack of love. It is the pathology of sadness. When we experience disappointment or betrayal in important relationships, we come to realize how vulnerable and defenseless we are. The temptation to become self-absorbed grows stronger, and we risk losing life’s greatest opportunity: to love in spite of everything!
The happiness that everyone desires, for that matter, can be expressed in any number of ways and attained only if we are capable of loving. This is the way. It is always a matter of love; there is no other path. The true challenge is that of who loves the most. How many disabled and suffering persons open their hearts to life again as soon as they realize they are loved! How much love can well up in a heart simply with a smile! The therapy of smiling. Then our frailness itself can become a source of consolation and support in our solitude. Jesus, in his passion, loved us to the end (cf. Jn 13:1); on the cross he revealed the love that bestows itself without limits.
– Pope Francis, 6/12/16 (http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20160612_omelia-giubileo-ammalati-disabili.html)
In heeding his call to action, to include and engage every person in our Parish Family, no matter their challenges, we are so blessed here at St. John to have a new member of our Front Desk, Tommy. Tommy is the most welcoming, happiest, most empathic person I think I have ever met. When you walk into our office on Monday morning, you cannot help but smile. Be ready for a hug or a high-five too, when Tommy greets you. He will make your time here so special. Tommy happens to have Williams Syndrome, which is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music. Unlike disorders that can make communication difficult, people with Williams Syndrome tend to be social, friendly and endearing. I hope you get a chance to visit with Tommy and experience exactly what Our Holy Father describes, “the therapy of smiling”, through Tommy’s laugh and beaming personality.
If you would like to learn more about Williams Syndrome, please visit https://williams-syndrome.org