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Keith Dow reflects on how his disabled son reveals the true worth of every person, challenging society’s views on weakness and usefulness. He explores how vulnerability and dependence point to deeper strength and purpose. The post highlights how love and dignity emerge through everyday encounters with disability.
Paul Gondreau is Professor of Theology at Providence College. He and his wife Christiana have five children. One of their children, Dominic, has cerebral palsy.
After Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square yesterday, Pope Francis hugged their son Dominic. Paul shared what this meant to him and his family here.
Paul's reflection on love
Here’s a snippet of his post:
Yes, I give much to my son, Dominic. But he gives me more, WAY more. I help him stand and walk, but he shows me how to love. I feed him, but he shows me how to love. I bring him to physical therapy, but he shows me how to love. I stretch his muscles and joke around with him, but he shows me how to love. I lift him in and out of his chair, I wheel him all over the place, but he shows me how to love. I give up my time, so much time, for him, but he shows me how to love.
The deeper meaning of disability
This lesson, to repeat, confounds the wisdom of the world. Heck, it confounds me when I, as his parent, so often fail to see my son’s condition for what it is. The lesson my disabled son gives stands as a powerful testament to the dignity and infinite value of every human person, especially of those the world deems the weakest and most “useless.” Through their sharing in the “folly” of the Cross, the disabled are, in truth, the most powerful and the most productive among us.
Again, you can find the rest of the story over at the Catholic Moral Theology blog.
About the Author:
Keith Dow:
Keith Dow, PhD, is a theologian, writer, and credentialed pastor with BIC Canada, serving as Director of Culture and Mission Alignment with Karis Disability Services. His work explores disability theology, Christian caregiving, spiritual life, and the gifts of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is the author of Formed Together: Mystery, Narrative, and Virtue in Christian Caregiving (Baylor University Press, 2021) and the researcher behind Images of God. His latest peer-reviewed article is “Imaging God Together.” Keith recently completed a term as president of the AAIDD Religion & Spirituality Interest Network. Explore his writing and research at keithdow.com.
Recent Posts:
Keith Dow reflects on how his disabled son reveals the true worth of every person, challenging society’s views on weakness and usefulness. He explores how vulnerability and dependence point to deeper strength and purpose. The post highlights how love and dignity emerge through everyday encounters with disability.
Paul Gondreau is Professor of Theology at Providence College. He and his wife Christiana have five children. One of their children, Dominic, has cerebral palsy.
After Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square yesterday, Pope Francis hugged their son Dominic. Paul shared what this meant to him and his family here.
Paul's reflection on love
Here’s a snippet of his post:
Yes, I give much to my son, Dominic. But he gives me more, WAY more. I help him stand and walk, but he shows me how to love. I feed him, but he shows me how to love. I bring him to physical therapy, but he shows me how to love. I stretch his muscles and joke around with him, but he shows me how to love. I lift him in and out of his chair, I wheel him all over the place, but he shows me how to love. I give up my time, so much time, for him, but he shows me how to love.
The deeper meaning of disability
This lesson, to repeat, confounds the wisdom of the world. Heck, it confounds me when I, as his parent, so often fail to see my son’s condition for what it is. The lesson my disabled son gives stands as a powerful testament to the dignity and infinite value of every human person, especially of those the world deems the weakest and most “useless.” Through their sharing in the “folly” of the Cross, the disabled are, in truth, the most powerful and the most productive among us.
Again, you can find the rest of the story over at the Catholic Moral Theology blog.
