Bangkok??

Today, I am in Madrid. I came here yesterday from Rome. It is another opportunity and experience that came my way. I took it graciously as part of my time to reconnect and regroup after a rather intense period of work and life back in Bangkok.

I went to a theological Congress this afternoon and at it I briefly met two Spanish women. I was introduced as Padre John from Australia who lives and works in Bangkok. They just said "Bangkok" and smiled. It made me think - Yes, why would a Catholic priest got to Bangkok. After all, isn't Bangkok for tourists, for shopping or for 'yobbos' who want to drink beer and pick up women. Let's be honest. That is the image most would have of Bangkok if they were looking at it as a destination from the west. Why would a Catholic priest go there and stay?

I guess that is one of the paradoxes I live with. Eight years ago when I first went to Thailand to visit the Burmese refugee camps with JRS as part of my then sabbatical, I just knew that this is where I belonged. That was my deep sense. I needed to return to work with refugees. It was one of the few times in my life that I felt such a deep, inner call.

Back then, I did not know anything about urban refugees. I thought I was returning to work with the Burmese refugees in the camps. Well, my journey took me to Thailand but then I discovered urban refugees and a real passion for their cause. So this is where I now happily find myself. Yes, it might seem strange to have an Australian catholic priest in Bangkok. Yet, for me, it makes sense. I have a great sense of belonging and tranquility in being there while acknowledging the many questions and anomolies surrounding life in Bangkok. I suppose that speaks of a Gospel that does not always make sense to us in our acceptable reality. What is acceptable is not always of the Gospel.

I thank those two women for their smiles as they have made me stand back and reflect a little about my stance in life. It may seem strange to them. To me, it is quite natural and understandable as I venture to follow the Gospel.