Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
On a recent trip, I attended Mass at a small town in Wisconsin. The Mass was celebrated by a priest and deacon that were both deaf, and they signed the entire service with a woman from the congregation interpreting what they were signing. We came to realize that there was a large community of hearing impaired Catholics that attended this Mass regularly. I had never witnessed a priest signing the Mass before, and I was struck by the beauty and joy that he exuded as he celebrated the Eucharist. On further reflection, I was reminded that each of us have gifts that allow us to share Jesus with others in a unique way. We may feel that there are obstacles that stand in our way, but God can use all circumstances and all people to build the Kingdom.
In the first reading today, we hear about St. Paul and his challenges as he is imprisoned in Rome. Even though he is not free to roam about, he continues to “receive all” who come to visit him, as he boldly proclaims the Kingdom of God. The prison does not contain St. Paul’s determination to spread the message of Jesus, since he continues to write several of his epistles during this time. Paul’s preaching also impacts his Roman guards, since he mentions in the letter to the Philippians that that there are new believers from the “household of Caesar”. St. Paul may be limited by his ability to wander freely, but his message still has great power and purpose.
My experience attending Mass with the deaf priest (Fr. Christopher Klusman) and the deacon increased my awareness of the challenges that the deaf community experience in deepening their faith. At the end of Mass, Fr. Christopher explained that he just received assignment to provide fulltime service to the deaf community in southwest Wisconsin. There are many challenges faced by the deaf community that Fr. Christopher addresses. While doing the consecration, Fr. Christopher signs the words as the deacon holds the bread and the wine. Another person speaks the words. For those who are deaf, this allows them to see the actual Mass being celebrated without having to look over at the person signing. Fr. Christopher tries to make the gospel more accessible to the deaf congregation by sometimes tweaking the story. Instead of the sheep hearing the shepherd’s voice, he describes how the sheep feel the vibrations of the staff pounded on the ground by the shepherd. This provides those who are deaf a connection to the story that makes sense to them, and allows them to feel included. In many ways, this priest opens up the faith to people who have otherwise felt excluded. Despite the challenges he faces as a deaf priest, Fr. Christopher has used all of his gifts and experiences to minister to others and deepen their faith.
Each of us faces obstacles that we might consider impediments in sharing the Good News. We might not be able to get around well, or maybe we feel that our time is consumed with the many demands of family and work. God can still work through each of us despite these limitations. Maybe you are called to prayer, or reaching out through phone calls and letters if you are limited in your accessibility. For others, busy lives can still be grounded in love and peace, and therefore can be great sources of evangelization of Jesus’ message.
My experience from attending Mass with the deaf community reminded me that there are people around us that are waiting to have someone take the time and effort to welcome them into our community. We may not have the expansive impact that Fr. Christopher is having in Wisconsin, but we can begin to reach out and love, accept, and include others one individual at a time.
Amazing God, Jesus shares the Good News of your love. Through your Spirit, provide us the courage and wisdom to overcome any obstacles that we perceive, so we can reach out to share the love and peace that You offer to all people. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Marylynn Herchline