"Living with weakness"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the March 1, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)
During Lent, we also look to our human failings and faults and attempt to do something about them either by way of a discipline and/or sacrifice. Not very long ago I came across an insightful article about personal limitation and weakness. The author asked the question: have we learned to live with our weaknesses and inadequacies? So often these qualities become sources of discouragement, rejection, and in the worst-case scenarios, self-hatred. As I reflected upon the article and approaching Lent, I thought this would be a good point of reflection for all of us as we strive to be faithful followers of Jesus and dedicated members of the Church. As one reflects on personal limitation, too often the tendency is to be a personal put-down. In a culture where one is frequently tempted to perfection, we observe a lot of pressure to correct supposedly the imperfect: bald heads, wrinkles in the skin, gray hair, abs, to name a few. Invariably, one’s self-worth is wrapped up with a search for personal perfection, forgetting that the spirituality of accepting one’s weaknesses and limitations can be a rich source of continuing conversion and appreciation of how good God has been to us, even and especially as we live in our human condition. St. Paul in his writings grew into a remarkable acceptance of self. He had a lot of baggage to carry in his life to make him feel discouraged. Yet, there is something tremendously refreshing about his words in his letter to the Corinthians: “I willingly boast of my weaknesses ... that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” In his letter to the people in Rome he talks about the challenge of addressing those very things he knows to be sinful, and yet he does them again and again. This is a man who has a good insight into who he is and what he has to live with. Rather than these parts of his life becoming a reason for despondency, he looks upon them as a source of growth and spiritual development. His response to his own limitation and dependency upon God remarkably becomes a source of transformation and gratitude. For us too, the appreciation of who we are needs constant attention in prayer, in reflection, in community, and in celebration. As we relate to one another in community and, for a good many of us, in marriage, we need to be mindful that all of us have our weaknesses. In marriage the couple soon realize that the honeymoon is over. That doesn’t mean necessarily that the relationship is weakened. On the contrary, intimacy can grow and deepen. A sense of reverence and respect for the spouse with all the “warts” and “moles” of life can be opportunities for continuing maturation and appreciation. The same is true in the way we relate to the Church, to the pastor, and yes, even to the bishop. All of us have weaknesses and all are in constant need of redemption. Basically, recognition of limitation in one another is a “no brainer.” On the other hand, to live with others’ weakness, to support the good in them, and to assist them on their own journey of faith requires a certain amount of spiritual depth, wisdom, patience, and sacrifice on our part. Too frequently, the fixation on weakness and limitation assumes a greater importance than love, understanding, forgiveness, and hope. Jesus never gives up on any of us. In following the way of Jesus, we too should strive to develop a positive outlook toward others even in difficult circumstances. Lent then is a good time to appreciate Jesus’ love for all of us. Change of attitudes usually doesn’t take place overnight; it demands a consistent striving on our part to be more accepting of ourselves and others around us. St. Paul on his own faith journey demonstrated not only the sudden conversion of heart on the road to Damascus, but also a gradual transformation as he grew older. Paul at the time of his martyrdom was certainly a different person spiritually than he was in the early days of his missionary work. He still had the “thorn” in his side. He still could recognize that he would do the things that were sinful. Yet for him, the saving presence of Jesus was a great source of joy and proclamation. May God bless all of us with an open heart to the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Perhaps we can come to see the weakness and limitation in others and ourselves as stepping-stones to a faith life of greater maturation and wisdom. May God bless all of you with peace and joy.
Bishop Skylstad’s Schedule
March 1: Secretariat meeting; Talk at Gonzaga University, 7 p.m.
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The Lenten season always provides an unusual opportunity for
addressing the quality of our spiritual journey and the challenge of
deepening our spirituality. Our attempt to come closer to God in
prayer takes many and varied forms. The opportunities are rich and
many in our tradition.