Praise: The Prophetic Public Presence of the Mentally Disabled
Brian Bock
121122
This chapter will explore the how the needs of people with disabilities is being met or not met.
Friday Night at the Pub. There are dangers in normal situations for the disabled that are not issues for most of us. And those dangers are hard to identify and neutralize.
Saturday Afternoon at the Pool. The caretakers of a disabled person are responsible for damages they cause, even if it totally accidental. The concept of empathy seems to be trumped by property rights issues.
The Church as the Practice Ground for Empathy. The church is one place where a receptive openness to people with disabilities should be practiced. Alas, it is often not and the responsibility of taking care of the disabled falls solely on the care givers. Worse, disable people are often unwelcome, either directly, or subtly.
Public Beggar and Dancers. The author's disabled son and a street musician combine to shed a bit of grace on passerby's. Jesus Christ came for the powerless and the church needs to be attentive to that.
The Assault of the Prophetic Christ. Jesus Christ alone is capable of illuminating the gap between our self-perceived hospitality and our actual, lived hospitality.
Worship and Annunciation. It is in the liturgy that we learn about God and Jesus Christ and how we should live.