After I posted "Missing Mass", the reason why I put up comment moderation came back to me. I was flooded with emails from people admonishing me for "complaining" "making trouble" "being ungrateful" "having a sense of entitlement" and "not knowing my place". I also received a whole bunch of numbers of taxi cab companies. Uh, thanks. Anyhow, considering the fact that most of these either contained profanity or attacked other commenters (not just me) I didn't put them up.
But what would Jesus with a disability do? Am I indeed breaking all kinds of rules by pushing for inclusion of those with disabilities and, among other things, requesting rides for them so they can get to church?
I honestly believe that Jesus would gather people with disabilities around Him and invite them with Him - not only to Mass, but to weddings and parties and other happenings. I don;'t believe Jesus would make an invitation conditional on the ability to cut up your meat or walk or see or hear. I don't believe Jesus would reject marginalized people because they are seen as punishments from God or some other nonsense.
Of course if Jesus had a disability perhaps He would need His food cut up. Or a ride. Or any number of things. Since he hung out with lots of people who had disabilities, I somehow think He would have been comfortable with accepting that help- and giving it -when He could.
And, yes, I think Jesus would have worked toward inclusion.
3 comments:
Jesus was a rabble-rouser, a trouble maker and not liked by those that preferred the status quo of his times.
Jesus loved his neighbor, was friends with tax collectors, Samaritan women, prostitutes and children. He recommended turning the other cheek, forgiveness and giving up our wealth. He asserted radical messages about the dignity of all.
If some don't like your rabble-rousing, consider yourself in the best of company, Ruth. It probably means you are on the right track!
Janet
Oops - I meant to post my comment to your post about the nasty emails you have received.
Janet
Janet - I think it fits perfectly here. Thanks for the support :)
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