Read on Twitter
Thread. First, read and visit the link. /1 https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/1334475219180851202
First point: On reading with charity.
I have seen some angry Tweets focusing exclusively on "build back better", as if this represents an endorsement of a particular politician. This, in my opinion, is an error. /2
I have seen some angry Tweets focusing exclusively on "build back better", as if this represents an endorsement of a particular politician. This, in my opinion, is an error. /2
To those skeptical, click the link and read the Pope's message, then note the "scare quotes"; it then becomes clear that there is no endorsement, but rather a subtle criticism. /3
Consider the following hypothetical tweet:
'Let us "Make America Great Again" by paying more attention to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.'
Endorsing a politician? Hardly. The "catchphrase" is used to catch one's attention, but the "payload" is in the second half. /4
'Let us "Make America Great Again" by paying more attention to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.'
Endorsing a politician? Hardly. The "catchphrase" is used to catch one's attention, but the "payload" is in the second half. /4
The actual message (as is clear from the full text) focuses on two things:
1. Protecting the disabled as part of a culture of life
2. Offering the gift of the Christian faith and sacraments to the disabled?
Political? Only in the best possible way. /5
1. Protecting the disabled as part of a culture of life
2. Offering the gift of the Christian faith and sacraments to the disabled?
Political? Only in the best possible way. /5
Second point: on the disabled and the culture of life.
We live in a materialistic and utilitarian culture, which "grades" people based on appearance, possessions, prestige and achievement. The disabled do not fit into any of these categories. /6
We live in a materialistic and utilitarian culture, which "grades" people based on appearance, possessions, prestige and achievement. The disabled do not fit into any of these categories. /6
Even in "wealthy" and "developed" nations, the disabled are seen as inferior, expendable, and "the low man"; they are often the first victims of the new eugenics which, in some countries, has meant that children with Down's never see the light of birth. 
/7
/7
The situation is even worse in less economically advanced countries, where financial constraints, lack of facilities and superstition often make the life of a disabled person "nasty, brutal and short." /8
/8
And even in those cultures where abortion is not the norm, life for these people and their families is very hard. Yet, they are children of God too, created in His own image, and worthy of care and protection for His sake. /9
The traditionalist writer Romano Amerio captures this when he points out that the end of all humans is God, and we cannot discard the disabled simply because they are not "alpha plusses" in a Huxleyan sense. (Iota Unum, pp. 419-420) /10
Thus, it is a corporal work of mercy to protect and aid the disabled, and it is a worthy goal (not "globalism", "Marxism" or "freemasonry") to advocate for better lives for them in terms of healthcare, economic security, rehabilitation and the like. /11
Third point. On faith and the disabled.
Yet, even the preceding is an incomplete picture. If (to quote Amerio) the end of man is God, how can we offer Him to the disabled? It is sad to note that sometimes, church officials and bureaucrats take a harsh stand on this matter. /12
Yet, even the preceding is an incomplete picture. If (to quote Amerio) the end of man is God, how can we offer Him to the disabled? It is sad to note that sometimes, church officials and bureaucrats take a harsh stand on this matter. /12
A family member of mine, whose adopted daughter (with cerebral palsy and severe intellectual disabilty), who died at the age of 10, was very nearly denied a Christian burial despite being baptised and her mother being a practicing Catholic. /13
The (asinine) argument advanced by the priest was that she had not "made her first Communion", even though said child could only be fed liquids through a stomach tube. (Communion "by the Precious Blood alone" was not practiced where this story took place.) 
/14
/14
In the end, good sense prevailed, and yet one wonders if such a bureaucratic attitude is compatible with the words of Christ - "Let the little children come to me"? /15
In a sense, the ancients may have been wiser than us when they referred to "simple-minded" children as "cretins" (Christians), referring to their innocence and inability to commit mortal sins. /16
Similar points can be made regarding the physically disabled, especially where Church access, mobility or swallowing are problems, but the principle remains the same. /17
And, to be honest, to see an Evil Communist Liberal Hand in a papal message that deals with sharing the message of Christ with the disabled is (if you will excuse me a wee bit if political incorrectness here) rather cretinous. /18
In this context, I am reminded of the example of Pope John Paul I, who (as a bishop) overruled those who objected to disabled children receiving the Eucharist. /19
I hope these observations have been helpful to at least some, and I dedicate this thread to all parents here who have, or have had, children with disabilities, as well as anyone with a disability who chances upon these stumbling words of mine.
God bless you all. /20 /FIN
God bless you all.
/20 /FIN
