"Shut your mouth"

Last Monday was St Patrick's Day!  Instead of going to an Irish pub for green beer, I had a much better option lined up.  It was to have dinner with a few people from our Sunday mass community.  It was more than just a night out, for it was our chance to meet and chat with Fr Dominic, a Myanmar priest, ministering to his people, up in the north of Thailand. 

Fr Dominic is a good man and a good priest, doing great things to help his people, who are here fleeing war, persecution and poverty.  So many come here, with some facing such dire circumstances in striving to eek out an existence in Thailand.  Despite the trauma of war and desperation back home, they remain a commendable people, smart and competent, able to achieve so much in the face of such adversity.  

Back to Fr Dominic.  He is such a kind and gentle man, dealing with a suffering humanity.  We heard him share in his softly spoken and humble way, about the challenges he faces and the burdens he bears.  Trauma and suffering are the lot of his people.  In hearing of this, we were there not to show pity, but solidarity.  Our aim was not to listen to a spicy, after dinner speech, but to reach out and help.  St Patrick would have totally approved of our chosen celebration of his day.    

Over the years, I have come to appreciate that the best word to describe life, in its various dimensions, is "mystery".  Mystery, for where is our loving God?  She is right in the midst of human suffering and striving!  God explains a Fr Dominic who remains so humble and gracious in the face of the raw, human struggle of life.  As we sat there in his presence, what could we say?  Words are not essential, for it is all about the mystery which we live and breathe, and act upon. 

During the week, I read that this word "mystery" comes from an ancient word, meaning "to shut one's mouth".  That is what it is about.  Once again, that night, we were left speechless.  Life is truly and ultimately mystery, and it is so, for it is under the loving care of a kind and gracious God who is mystery.  All shall be well!