In my day, I deal with a young guy from Sri Lanka who, because of his lack of a nourishing family background, is what I would name as a 28 year old man who is still a 13 year old boy. This means that he keeps getting into all sorts of bother as he tries to deal with the complex issues of his daily life while a urban refugee in Bangkok.
I also try to get my head around trying to yet again deal with, what for me, are two difficult and unhealthy adult, western males in my life here. They are connected and whenever I get caught into their issues, through the nature of my ministry here, I find myself trapped yet again thanks to their own personal dysfunctions.
Then I place both situations into the context of this coming Sunday's gospel where the story is from Mark's gospel with Jesus bringing in the children. As I read and reflect, I am hit by a tremendous one liner:
The Power of Powerlessness.
It says that Jesus' power was rooted in his vulnerability and NOT in "iron, muscles, guns". WOW!!!
That sits with me and speaks to me so powerfully. Our vulnerability is the very source of our real power for life. In our shared vulnerability, we are powerful people.
Why then are we so frigthened to face the hard issues of life, its difficulties and injustices?
I am John Murray, an Australian, Catholic priest of the Order of St Augustine. I live and work in Thailand and have been here since October 2005. I have many stories from my life journey and would simply like to share some of them. So hope you enjoy and go away sometime with a smile or a helpful little insight.
We gather
to give thanks for my 25 years.
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