On Two Kinds of Dreams(Thank You)

While at shrine of Lourdes, many of us, disabled people, would like to be granted with the grace of good health. The physical well-being, what can easily be understood, is of the great importance for almost each & every human being. That is a common dream of many.
We know, however, that there is some other dimension to one's health, namely the spiritual one. Mary, the gentlest of all mothers, loves us so much that sometimes -- thinking about the greatest dream of both Jesus & His co-sufferers -- grants some of Her children with cure for their souls. Thank you, my dear Mother!
  
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 Tomasz, Racibórz +

P.S. St. Bernadette, pray for us!

All You Need Is Love

The truth, whether we like it or not, is here. One can deny this fact, but – regardless of her/his efforts – reality will remind of itself on each and every occasion. One of these is, undoubtedly, the discussion on human life. Pro-choice folks often tell us about the tragic future of disabled children & their poor mothers. The same people claim that, instead of imposing religious believe on someone, society should prevent women from “the consequences” of so-called unwanted pregnancies. However sophisticated their arguments may be, they seem to overlook the fact that we, Christians, do not impose anything on anybody, but rather remind some that the world without children & unselfish love has no future at all.
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 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Why On Earth...?

Sometimes we hear ''why on earth shall we protect lives of some terminally ill people?''
These who ask just-mentioned question - and describe themselves as believers - probably forget that they, just as about seven billion of earth's inhabitants, are members of the Christ Body.

That is why the whole human race shall be protected. Sure, there are some problems, pain, and even death that we all will struggle with; still there is no place for despair: lack of one's capaticy will not be confused with lack of her/his dignity until medical doctors, nurses, and all of us try to follow the golden rule:

''Problems need to be solved, patients need to be loved.''

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Tomasz, Racibórz +

The Able-souled People

We are tempted to think that only able-bodied people can be happy. In fact, they may be, to some smaller or bigger extent, content with their current situation. Happiness, however, has nothing to do with a mere contentment. The former is closely related to one's relationship with God, the later – I am almost sure of this  –  overrates the role of  limited human senses.

The true happiness is, just like its Creator and your immortal soul, eternal. Thus it will be difficult for you to be really happy – regardless of your physical or mental features - unless you are an able-souled person.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the patroness of sick people, pray for us!


-- Tomasz, Racibórz +

Do not admire - give your love instead

Many parents are extremely discouraged as they are informed about the health problem of their little child. Confronted with such a paralysing piece of news some of them cry because, as they think,  their beloved child would be deprived of  many opportunities, successes, achievements...

That, however, need not to be true: in fact, many people with special needs are happy and, despite of some difficulties experienced during their lives, contribute greatly to the local communities they live in.

Even if your child will miss many joyful moments, please do not mourn for him/her; instead look at Mary:
The  Blessed Virgin probably knew that Jesus would not be a leader of the Jewish nation and did not expect such a "career-path'" for her Son; she was just happy because of giving birth to Christ, leaving the rest to God the Father.

Be proud of all the children, regardless of their particular skills, for they - just like the Baby Jesus - want to be loved because they are, and not admired for what we think they should do*.


-- Tomasz, Racibórz +

*Here, in my opinion, lies the main difference between pro-lifers and their opposition.

The Hope Is Not Only For You

All we have is given to us by Jesus; still there are many divine gifts that may be experienced, understood, and accepted better through the gentlest hands of Mary. One of them, not surprisingly, is our ability to stand at the given crosses. 

Whenever you are in pain, tell Mary about your experience, share it with her:

By doing so, not only would you be protected from any form of despair; in addition–being first perfectly consoled by Jesus–

you may be able to co-spread the world-changing hope of His Mother.    
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 Tomasz, Racibórz +

The Crown of Stars

The Blessed Virgin with the Child is chosen, as we all know, as the main source of inspiration by many fine artists.

Sometimes Mary depicted by them wears some metal crown, seldom her head is surrounded by twelve stars.

The second example of Immaculata's depiction, in spite of many opinions, seems to be more appropriate if painter's intention is to truly honour both Mary and her divine Son: A traditional crown is nothing more than a piece of precious metal, whereas crown of stars -- even if not so valued in our eyes -- is actually put on Mary's head by Jesus himself*.

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Tomasz, Racibórz +

* Your disability has the potential to become just-mentioned crown of stars: where some sinners are proud of their great-looking, yet finite bodies, you – as the man faith – may be proud of your greater share in the undervalued, nevertheless real and eternal beauty that is appreciated by Our Lord.

Yes, We Can

Jesus and Mary on the Mt Carmel

Each and every mountaintop, either the real or abstract one, has something special to offer. Some climbers are attracted to the real peaks, the others -- especially people with  impairments -- want to reach the tops of their abilities.
Whether you are disabled or able-bodied person, do not be afraid of supernatural summits:
They all are given to remind you and me that, at least sometimes, the great joy of communion with God and good people may have its start on the abandoned and difficult route.

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Tomasz, Racibórz

Her Amen, Our Example

The crowned statue of Our Lady of the Cape

Why Mary, this humble handmaid of the Lord, is the person of such a great importance for the growing number of disabled people around the world? One may say that it is so because of her healing,through the Will of God, presence at the sanctuaries of Częstochowa, Lourdes, Banneux... This may be the case, still there is some other feature of the Blessed Virgin Mary that makes her so special for all the sufferers:

Miriam has believed more in God than in any possible accusations & calumnies of this world.   However she could have been stoned for ''loosing her virginity'' before the planned marriage with St. Joseph, she is the Queen of Heaven & Earth right now. All of that because of her AMEN said to God - the One who can draw the greatest good even out of man's distress.

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Tomasz, Racibórz

Don't take this for granted

I am not loved, nobody cares about me, or  I am good for nothing - these (and many other) lies shape lives of the great number of people.
Both men & woman, especially the ones with special needs, are often inclined to think about themselves in the presented way.
THANKS TO GOD, they are mistaken.  You yourself, dear Reader,  may feel lonely and disappointed right now,  still there is at least one Person who cares about you:
His name is Jesus.
How can He, the perfect God,  love me - one of many blind, deaf, or crippled human beings ? you may ask; your situation may be hard, still   - by the power Our Lord's love  - you were given the greatest asset one can imagine:  the remarkable heart made to be loved & saved.  Don't take this for granted - grant Christ with your trust & thanksgiving instead.

To be continued.
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Tomasz, Racibórz

The Genuflections

Sometimes wheelchairs users may feel uncomfortable. Pavements, thresholds and closed hearts are among many barriers that they have to encounter and overcome. Still there is at least one situation of advantage, the greatest honour that just-mentioned, "disabled" people are exclusively blessed with.
Handicapped Catholics, men and women alike, are able to genuflect before the Eucharist,and they do it even if it is not explicitly required of them; during the Holy Mass, adoration,or ordinary prayer - because of their "lowered positions" - they are bowing down before the Lord virtually all the time. As the result, and I am almost sure of it, He may grant them with His constant, consoling and holy presence, just as He did for His Mother - the first believer courageous enough to praise God even at the foot of the Cross.
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Tomasz, Racibórz

The Cross and the Ball

I like Chestertonian idea of a cross being superior to the ideal ball.

Such comparison  reminds me that any disability, illness, suffering -- unaccepted by so-called perfect world,  

can only be dignified by and get sense in the Cross of Jesus. 

The one that provides us with so many graces, making even our bodily and mental imperfections worthy of the infinite Heaven.

Please pray for me!

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Tomasz, Racibórz