January 10, 2021
by Mary Sellars Malloy
Question of the Week - The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Well, here we are at the end of the Christmas season. One last day to recall one of my favorite Christmas songs and movies, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” where Santa sings of others not letting Rudolph join in the reindeer games. Now one might think, “How childish!” However, have you ever experienced such treatment as an adult? I know I have!
Before the pandemic, I enjoyed playing Mah-Jongg at our local library every Friday afternoon. Newly retired, I thought it would be a great way to meet new friends who share my passion for the game. About a dozen of us, all women except for a gentleman I will call Keith. Keith was a long-time Mah-Jongg player who had recently suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a severe bike crash. He had difficulty walking, and every movement—even reaching to pick up Mah-Jongg tile—was painfully slow. This man who once played in Mah-Jongg tournaments quickly lost his train of thought in the middle of a game. Because of this, a few members of the Friday afternoon group refused to play the game with him.
Two other players and I quickly made it a point to sit at Keith’s table. Yes, the play was slower than usual, and yes, sometimes we would have to help Keith figure out what he needed to do, but over the weeks and months, we learned that Keith had a wonderful sense of humor. Our Friday play was filled with laughter and fun. The man who, like Rudolph, had been excluded from playing at others’ game tables came to be a friend I looked forward to seeing week after week.
Our baptismal call demands that we make room at the table—room for those we find it easy and fun to be with and room for those who challenge us. What Keith taught me is that many times, when we make room at the table for those whom we find to be difficult, we discover unexpected blessings of friendship and joy.
This week, ask the Lord to reveal to you those who need your gifts of friendship, inclusion, and invitation. Make room at the table, and prepare to be blessed!
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.