Through The Eyes Of Jesus
"Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God." Pope Francis.
If we would all focus on our sameness and not our differences, our world would be filled with a love that recognizes the full potential of all people. “The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:1
In this scripture passage the Israelites were appealing to Samuel to give them a king who would guarantee them survival in the Promised Land. A young shepherd boy named David was not the likely choice, but by God’s anointing he was given the power. Three thousand years later, God wants us to share this good news.
Lolek Productions is doing just that. Father Josh McCarty, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., created Lolek in May 2010. He wanted to create quality, Catholic-based material displaying the beauty of people who are living the gospel message. Lolekwas the Polish nickname of the young Carole Wojtyła, Blessed Pope John Paul II, and it means, “Son of Freedom.” Blessed John Paul II, who will be canonized on Sunday, had a vision for evangelization that inspired Father Josh to reach young people by using social media as a source of information.
Lolek produced a video about the life of Shawn Riney. Shawn is the type of person who loves everyone the way they want to be loved, and he often says, “Everybody loves Shawn.” He cleans the lunch trays in the cafeteria at Owensboro Catholic High School and aspires to be a chef. Shawn has Down syndrome, and this story of unconditional love is a real gospel message.
There is another angel in this story. Amy Payne became part of Shawn’s life almost 30 years ago. The Payne family first met Shawn when his mother began babysitting the Payne children. Amy and her husband, Tom, are educators and foster parents. Their missionary hearts are open to the blessing of all God’s children, and having Shawn in their life has “abundantly blessed” the entire family.
Every Halloween, Shawn would pass out candy at the Payne household while Amy took the children out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. This evening of fun became a ritual of spending every weekend with the Payne’s. Every Friday for 16 years, Shawn has packed a duffel bag with his “shaving equipment” and moved into the Payne’s home to enjoy their company.
Shawn’s parents, Frank and Moggie Riney, often remind Tom and Amy that the weekend overnights can stop at anytime; but the Payne family cannot imagine a weekend without Shawn. They read scripture together, fix meals, play games, watch sports and attend Sunday Mass together.
For the past 25 years the Payne and Riney families have been involved with an Apostolate called SPACE: Special Apostolic and Christian Evangelization, which is a ministry for families with loved ones who are disabled. They meet with about 25-30 people once a month for fellowship in the Cathedral basement. They pray before the Blessed Sacrament; discuss the readings for the weekend Mass; provide hands-on activities and art projects for the participants to pass along to others; and they share a meal.
In a culture where 90 percent of babies with 47 chromosomes – also known as Down syndrome – are aborted, consider the blessings lost. Shawn has brought true joy to this world. Amy’s dream is to someday open a home called “Shawn’s Farm,” a place for adults with disabilities who are being raised by elderly parents who have difficulty caring for them alone.
Like King David, there is always a Goliath to battle in life. We should live as Shawn Riney – just being ourselves and using the familiar gifts and talents God has given us. David's faith in God caused him to look at the giant from a different perspective. We too can love with a heart like Jesus, and he will work miracles through us. You have to trust God! Amen!
