Recently browsing through a box of discarded books, I came upon the title, A Few Useful Negroes. I actually felt a physical shock. I was appalled and more than a little embarrassed. I did not want to be seen with the book in my hands, but I could not resist knowing what it was about. It was a book about the contributions of selected African Americans at the turn of the century. At the time it was published, 1950’s, maybe the title was acceptable. However, today it is not only politically incorrect, it is down right offensive.
In today’s readings from the Acts of the Apostles, we encounter a story of healing and resurrection. The characters are the paralyzed, bedridden Aeneas, the deceased Tabitha, and her friends, the “saints and widows”. Only weeks removed from Christ’s own death and resurrection, we can not help but be pulled back to the crucifixion scene with the women, including Christ’s widowed mother, standing at the foot of the cross. Our minds naturally play on to the following morning when again it is the women who were the first to come to the tomb.
What strikes me in both the reading and in my own experience with the old book, is how we have come to departmentalize things. We call them issues. We have the gender issue, the race issue, the capital punishment issue, the abortion and assisted death issues. Not to forget the international issues. The list is endless. In trying to cope with all these issues, I think we may be reading into scripture what may not be there. When we encounter scripture in fragments, we tend to lose focus of the big picture. Christ’s message, his dream, and that of the apostles was the issue of inclusion, - one family, one community - compassion, and mercy - for one and all.
I do not know about you, but for me this makes the “issues” at once more of a mental challenge, but at the same time somehow easier to hold in my heart.
“I walk before the Lord in the Land of the living.” (Psalm 116)
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
