WEDNESDAY, June 1 Rogation Day

James 5:13-18. Are any among you sick?

My eldest son has Asperger’s syndrome, often described as a high-functioning form of autism. Recently I was describing the symptoms to a parishioner and he said, “We should do what James said to do.” I asked him what he meant. He said we should call the elders of the church so that my son could be anointed and healed.

The man was well-meaning and was deeply concerned about my son. But as I read this passage I am struck by the question, “Are any among you sick?” My son is not sick. He is certainly challenged at times and can be very challenging. But sometimes the biggest challenge in raising a special needs child is being reminded that the child is not sick, just different.

There is no cure for Asperger’s syndrome or for many other conditions that affect numerous people. But if there were, I am not sure my son would be better off for it. He is not sick, just different—different just like everybody else.

Whether sick, disabled, or just different (which, as today’s author affirms, means everyone), the people of God long to hear God’s voice. Your gift to Forward Movement will bring this publication to those who might otherwise not know where or how to listen for God. Thank you for your support of this ministry.

PRAY for the Diocese of Northern Uganda (Uganda)

Ps 119:97-120; Baruch 3:24-37; Luke 12:22-31

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
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Jun 01, 2011 at 1:01 am

Written by Patt,

Thank you for this posting - and I wonder if Jesus appeared to us today - - and giggle. I think he would be labeled with some label that might limit his gifts. Yes - we need vocabulary to help us understand that we al see things, feel things - experience things in powerful different dimensions. But when we label them - do we expand or contract God's love?

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Jun 01, 2011 at 1:52 am

Written by Jennifer,

You're very patient. Good for you. In my experience people who think God magicks away troubles tend to add a layer of bad feelings to already difficult situations. I'm so glad you have a faith perspective that protects you from such behaviour, however "well-meaning" and sincere the caring expressed.

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Jun 01, 2011 at 6:44 am

Written by fred,

It is not easy for someone considered to be "different" but God loves each of us and wants us to be all that God created each of us to be. "Different" is neither better nor worse. The challenge is for us to love them more. I don't believe in magic but I do believe God wants us to be all we can be and that is why I believe we should intercede and pray for people to be all that God created them to be. In so doing, many are healed. Keep praying.

Hannah's advice

Jun 01, 2011 at 9:09 am

Written by Mel,

The author's parishioner picked the wrong biblical text for advice to a parent. My son has a "label" of ADHD, but it isn't really that simple. He is extraordinarily bright, very strong willed, and he absolutely cannot sit still. That, of course, means he is very difficult.

What worked best for me as a parent was to take the advice of Hannah. I didn't think my priest would be very happy if I dropped my son off at the church to live there :), but I knelt at the alter rail one morning during communion and gave him over to live with God symbolically and asked that He tell me (and everyone else) how to raise his child. I do it again every night while he is sleeping (and still long enough for me to lay my hands on him) and it has made all the difference - in me.

hypocrisy

Jun 01, 2011 at 9:24 am

Written by lance green,

so...the man says his son is not "sick" but "different", yet he is part of a church that wants to penalize homosexuals. so did hitler.... i don't consider my gay friends to be "sick" either- just "different". jesus strictly and clearly condemned divorce, but never said a word about homosexuality, yet the church world-wide is rife with divorce- that "threatens the family structure,", and it totally ignores jesus's forbidding it- yet is rabid when it comes to gays because they are "different." if day by day supports the ugandan witch-hunt, then my money will never again be spent here. the hypocrisy and double standard stinks to high heaven.

-3

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Jun 01, 2011 at 9:29 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Lance, you are barking at the wrong church. I don't stand for any of those positions that you cite. Neither does anyone in my church.

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Jun 01, 2011 at 10:31 am

Written by Sarah Pope,

I work with "gifted" children at my high school. They are considered Special Ed, mostly because they have special needs, and many (if not most) are at risk. Several of them are twice exceptional (they are gifted AND learning disabled). I have also worked with students with Asperger's, which is a challenge, but also brings great joy. A friend recommended a book calledThe Speed of Dark. It's sci-fi about high functioning autistic folks who have a choice about their condition. Anyway, bless the author and his whole family.

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Jun 01, 2011 at 10:48 am

Written by Andrea,

My son, who'll be 15 next week, has Asperger's. He is very involved with the online Asperger's community, and has educated people at his school and our church about what it is and isn't. "It's not a disease, it's a difference," is a common phrase in the community. They are somewhat bemused by "neurotypical" folk who want to "cure" them. Thank you for the meditation. One of the reasons we joined our church six years ago is that they have accepted and loved my son just as he is.

Lance, please come

Jun 01, 2011 at 12:12 pm

Written by Marti,

Lance, if you have never been to an Episcopal church, please find one and go to a service. We are a very welcoming community and accept everyone just as they are. Together, and through God's grace, we are the body of Christ and no one is singled out or excluded. Please come and join us. God bless you.

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Jun 01, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Written by Joel,

I always thought, without any romanticism at all, that our brothers and sisters with "differences" hold secrets of the Kingdom. Once we pay attention to them, we'll find it.

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