My mentor, William Lynch S.J., wrote a very difficult and very important book titled Images of Faith (UNDP, 1973) wherein he argues that “irony” is one of the central images of faith, epitomized in what he calls “the Irony of Christ”.
Irony, he admits, is a difficult idea, but it typically means some sort of reversal in expectations. The irony of Christ is the fundamental fact that Jesus, God incarnate and the great Savior-King, came among us as a poor man, born in a stable, a lowly carpenter, an itinerant teacher, crucified as a criminal. Clearly a reversal of all expectations about the Messiah.
And, of course, illness (perhaps especially a life-threatening illness like a stroke) is bad news. Yet, at least for my recent stroke, it also resulted in much good news — a tremendous outpouring of love and prayer and support from relatives and colleagues and friends. To such an extent that I feel very blessed and grateful.
And that is indeed ironic. Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar during some bad episodes of illness, or some other bad times in your life. I hope you have.
So I’m writing this blogpost as an expression of gratitude to the many who have reached out to me.
It is, of course, tragic that so many have experienced severe suffering without much or any support. I think, for instance, of the people today in Gaza, murdered and wounded by Israel. And of so many other innocent victims of war. And of many throughout the world who suffer from cancer, strokes, aging, other diseases — alone and without significant medical aid or family support. Of those dying alone from drugs or alcohol abuse.
I do believe that God is pure Mercy and sends angels in many guises to console even those, or perhaps especially those, who suffer alone. It’s one of Pope Francis’ constant assurances.
So it is one of the wonderful ironies about my recent stroke that I have met many such angels — on the phone, via emails, even while just enjoying fresh air and sunshine and starlight.
Hope this makes some sense. No need to say more. I thank God and so many of Her bearers of grace. And Mother Mary. (If you’ve never heard it, or even if you have, google Eric Claption and Luciano Pavoratti’s “Holy Mother” for a truly beautiful musical evocation of that Mercy.)
