Why is The Question

My social work training taught me never to ask the "Why" question when helping people.  Ask all the other questions - who, what, how, when, where.  Reason is that asking "Why?" is a closed question, seemingly leading nowhere else.

Then this week, I am at a communication training with Caritas where we are told to use the "Why?" question.  Reason is that it leads to the best communication of opening oneself up to others.

Well, this has made me ask myself the "Why?" question.
Why am I here?  Why am I who I am?  Why am I a Catholic with all the scandal and upset going on in the Church?

I am asked the "Why?" question with a sense of curiosity by someone who comes to me for a life confession.  He is searching and asks me - Why am I who I am?  It all makes me reflect and I think it is time to share some good news. It is time not to escape in any direction but to be positive about why I am who I am for the sake of nourishing life - mine and others.   

Basically I am who I am because of where I come from and the people who are so much a part of my story.  I was born in 1956 Australia and learnt from growing up within a loving and good family, within a life giving Catholic culture and within a safe and friendly community, with all sharing a concern for the other.  As I remember it, my growing up environment was based on the same underlying theme for life.  They all taught me that what really mattered in life was about standing up for the underdog, helping people up when they are down and always standing by your mate (male or female).  It is that simple and I am ever thankful for where I come from.