Spiderman
Veteran Member
So, I just got back from mass and I learned far more from observing a young man who was mentally retarded than from the homily or Scripture readings. When everything got silent during our solemn celebration you could hear this guy making noises throughout the Cathedral, so I think I wasn't the only one who noticed him, and I hope others got something out of his example.
He had a constant smile on his face and appeared so affectionate toward the lady who was caring for him. He needed assistance going down the isle to receive communion and he had an ear to ear smile the whole time, and returned to the Church pew showing most tender affection for whoever was caring for him, It was truly adorable.
I don't know what he's like the rest of the time, but my observation was that he was enjoying the service more than anyone, that he was the happiest person there, that he is easily entertained, that he would not hurt anyone, that he is meek, humble, peaceful, and kind to all people. Of course, I could be mistaken, but that was what I got from it.
His IQ appeared less than that of Forest Gump, but he appeared to be just a great big bundle of joy, simplicity, love, affection, and euphoria! It really spoke to me. Isn't it amazing that such an example could speak to me more than listening to an intelligent educated person with a Doctorate?
Point is, you never know how you could be silently evangelizing the world around you, just by a humble, simple example of joy, peace, love, and a big smile, even if you're too retarded to hold a conversation or say anything intelligible. His face and constant smile said it all. This guy has truly found what we all want. Peace, Joy, Serenity, and euphoria!
It certainly appeared that way!
Anyway, observing this severely mentally challenged young man spoke to me far more than the Scripture readings or homily, and I wanted to share.
It really makes me wonder what it's like to be mentally retarded...(I'm not, despite my posts sometimes indicating otherwise!)
Have you worked with or been around mentally challenged people? Did they inspire you?
We should never consider our lives more important than theirs or think we are better than them. It could be they have what we are looking for.
IQ doesn't in anyway make a person happier or superior to those with a low IQ. I've actually observed the opposite to be true.
I'm going to bet retarded people rarely abuse drugs, rarely commit suicide, don't join gangs, rarely ever kill anyone, don't become military dictators, and don't become serial killers. That's quite telling.
Also, while the educated first-world has the highest suicide rates and democracy is going down the crapper, violent crime and drug addiction rises, these simple people aren't fretting about anything, and enjoying their lives, while many people with a high IQ, Doctorate, sports car, mansion, or whatever, are miserable, addicted to sex, addicted to drugs, killing themselves, or harming others. That's quite telling. I don't think retarded people on average meddle in such matters or desire such things.
I cared for a 90+ year old priest with severe Dementia, spoon fed him, changed his depends, administered medications, helped him shower...he could not hold a conversation but he would often randomly say "Ave Maria" (which means, hail mary in Latin), God's will be done! Help one another!" He would repeat those three phrases consistently throughout each day. Guaranteed this guy had more peace and joy than a lot of us have.
It was truly rewarding work.
Anyway, my hat goes off to the mentally challenged. They possess the virtuous of the beatitudes, and appear more Christ-like on average than the average person with a high IQ and education. In my opinion, these special creatures are Saints.
He had a constant smile on his face and appeared so affectionate toward the lady who was caring for him. He needed assistance going down the isle to receive communion and he had an ear to ear smile the whole time, and returned to the Church pew showing most tender affection for whoever was caring for him, It was truly adorable.
I don't know what he's like the rest of the time, but my observation was that he was enjoying the service more than anyone, that he was the happiest person there, that he is easily entertained, that he would not hurt anyone, that he is meek, humble, peaceful, and kind to all people. Of course, I could be mistaken, but that was what I got from it.
His IQ appeared less than that of Forest Gump, but he appeared to be just a great big bundle of joy, simplicity, love, affection, and euphoria! It really spoke to me. Isn't it amazing that such an example could speak to me more than listening to an intelligent educated person with a Doctorate?
Point is, you never know how you could be silently evangelizing the world around you, just by a humble, simple example of joy, peace, love, and a big smile, even if you're too retarded to hold a conversation or say anything intelligible. His face and constant smile said it all. This guy has truly found what we all want. Peace, Joy, Serenity, and euphoria!
It certainly appeared that way!
Anyway, observing this severely mentally challenged young man spoke to me far more than the Scripture readings or homily, and I wanted to share.
It really makes me wonder what it's like to be mentally retarded...(I'm not, despite my posts sometimes indicating otherwise!
)Have you worked with or been around mentally challenged people? Did they inspire you?
We should never consider our lives more important than theirs or think we are better than them. It could be they have what we are looking for.
IQ doesn't in anyway make a person happier or superior to those with a low IQ. I've actually observed the opposite to be true.
I'm going to bet retarded people rarely abuse drugs, rarely commit suicide, don't join gangs, rarely ever kill anyone, don't become military dictators, and don't become serial killers. That's quite telling.
Also, while the educated first-world has the highest suicide rates and democracy is going down the crapper, violent crime and drug addiction rises, these simple people aren't fretting about anything, and enjoying their lives, while many people with a high IQ, Doctorate, sports car, mansion, or whatever, are miserable, addicted to sex, addicted to drugs, killing themselves, or harming others. That's quite telling. I don't think retarded people on average meddle in such matters or desire such things.
I cared for a 90+ year old priest with severe Dementia, spoon fed him, changed his depends, administered medications, helped him shower...he could not hold a conversation but he would often randomly say "Ave Maria" (which means, hail mary in Latin), God's will be done! Help one another!" He would repeat those three phrases consistently throughout each day. Guaranteed this guy had more peace and joy than a lot of us have.
It was truly rewarding work.
Anyway, my hat goes off to the mentally challenged. They possess the virtuous of the beatitudes, and appear more Christ-like on average than the average person with a high IQ and education. In my opinion, these special creatures are Saints.
Last edited by a moderator:
