A Reflection for Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Find today’s readings here.
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I will take the children of Israel from among the nations
to which they have come,
and gather them from all sides to bring them back to their land.
I will make them one nation upon the land
in the mountains of Israel,
and there shall be one prince for them all.
Never again shall they be two nations,
and never again shall they be divided into two kingdoms. (Ezek 37:21-28)
In March, I traveled with the “Jesuitical” podcast team to Philadelphia to record an interview with Rob Hagan, O.S.A., an Augustinian friar who serves as prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and as a senior associate athletic director for the Wildcats.
As a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and Boston College, and now an O’Hare Fellow at America, I have enjoyed the company of Jesuits for nine consecutive years. The chance to meet the Augustinians delighted me—and they did not disappoint. In just three days, I learned a great deal about how they work to better the world. The most inspiring story I heard was that of Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., a priest who was the first quadriplegic ordained in the Catholic Church. He has been named a Servant of God, and his cause is being considered for canonization. His legacy moved me to tears, and he has remained on my mind nearly everyday.
Father Atkinson was paralyzed from the neck down after a sledding accident during his novitiate in 1965. Despite his disability, he continued his studies and was granted a special dispensation by Pope Paul VI to be ordained in 1974.
He dedicated his life to education, teaching at Monsignor Bonner High School in Pennsylvania for nearly 30 years. He was known for his humility, perseverance and deep spirituality. His cause for canonization was officially opened in 2015, recognizing his extraordinary witness of faith and service despite immense physical challenges.
Today’s first reading is about finding God beyond the labels that divide us. Ezekiel 37:21-28 prophesies the reunification of Israel and Judah under one king, a descendant of David, with God making an everlasting covenant of peace with them. He promises to cleanse them, dwell among them, and make them his people, ensuring their security and blessing.
As Valerie Schultz has argued in America, to be an American Catholic right now can be discouraging, as it often feels like we are defined by the labels that divide us. Hearing the story of Father Bill, who relied on his Augustinian community to care for him, reminded me of why I remain Catholic. I am Catholic because I believe in the power of God to overcome division. I rarely find God in labels. But I do find him in loving acts and caring people.
Loving and caring people took care of Fr. Atkinson, and their efforts kept him alive. He beautifully summarizes this in the poem below. It is titled “The Strength of Others,” and it will compliment your prayers today, and for many days to come.
The Strength of Others
“How’d you do it?” People would say
So confining, day after day
Having others around for constant care
Ever wonder if life’s unfair?
“How’d you do it?” People would ask
Is it better now than in the past?
To see others do what you did before
Realizing, you can’t do them anymore
“How’d you do it?” People have said
Needing help in-n-out of bed
Doubts at times? Patience wearing thin?
Ever wonder how it will end?
How’d you do it? Day after day
This path taken wasn’t my way
The choice was Another’s, not my own
He sent me help. Couldn’t do it alone
How’d I do it? Let me confide
Always with others right at my side
Family and friends from the start
Gave me love in no small part
How’d I do it? Day after day
Would not have it, any other way
They shared triumphs and setbacks too
Been blest, when I look back in review
How’d I do it? Let me reply
On those who help me, I totally relied
They taught me to live, not just to cope
With their love they gave me hope
How’d I do it? Day after day
Help of others along the way
Valued friends, sisters and brothers
I simply borrowed – the strength of others
