I heard about the story of Adam Race this morning. I do not pretend to know all the ins-and-outs of the issue.
Adam is a 13-year-old boy with autism. His family attends a Catholic Church in Minnesota. Apparently there have been some instances where Adam has been disruptive: grabbing, urinating, calling out, etc. Depending on who speaks, there may or may not have been discussions of how to keep parishioners safe, there may or may not have been expectations placed upon the family, etc.
There does appear to be a letter the priest sent Adam’s family requesting they not bring their son to mass any longer. There is a restraining order filed with the local police department to enforce not bringing Adam to mass.
Safety, appropriateness, etc. aside, I keep wondering what Jesus would do in such a case. Restraining orders can’t be what he would resort to. Sure, he may have the ability to solve the problem better than you and I can, but asking someone not to come to mass? That seems to be missing the purpose of mass to me.
It has always seemed particularly odd to me that folks declare that they are giving up chocolate, or some other such vice, for Lent, as though that equates with Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Yet, as flawed humans, what are we to do? The sacrifice that we take on at this time of the year is our way of consciously doing without while concentrating on Christ’s works.
If I declare here that I am forgoing carbonated beverages for 40 days, what does that really represent? It is a personal sacrifice on my part. But is it anything beyond for my own personal gain? Does this emulate Christ? How does giving up soda benefit others?
Lenten sacrifices appear to be like New Year’s resolutions the way people use them today. Abstaining from chocolate, caffeine, or fast food is uniquely selfish, which of course, is not Christ-like at all.
The real meaning of Lent is sacrifice, not for our well-being but that of others. Fasting, abstinence and prayer are just a means to achieve that goal.
We are asked to become holy and like Mother Teresa, our holiness in God, must be for the benefit of others.
What can I abstain from that will be for the benefit of others? What can you abstain from for the benefit of others?
I distinctly recall Sister Alice telling our freshman class not to go see The Life of Brian. Hey, I was the one reading Catcher in the Rye in the lunch room at Catholic school. I love this movie.
Today was a rough day. I needed a pick me up. Enjoy Eric Idle et al. singing my happy song.
