Quiet Strength - Avery Cardinal Dulles

Earlier this month, Cardinal Dulles gave his last McGinley Lecture, which he wrote but had to be read for him. Entitled “A Life in Theology,” the lecture reflected this latest phase of his long life — he will be 90 this August.

“Suffering and diminishment are not the greatest of evils, but are normal ingredients in life, especially in old age. They are to be accepted as elements of a full human existence,” he said. “As I become increasingly paralyzed and unable to speak, I can identify with the many paralytics and mute persons in the Gospels, grateful for the loving and skillful care I receive and for the hope of everlasting life in Christ. If the Lord now calls me to a period of weakness, I know well that his power can be made perfect in infirmity. Blessed be the name of the Lord!”

I have long been a reader of the sensible and yet elegant insights offered by Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. - but I had no idea that his health had taken such a turn for worse. What a marvelous witness to the reality and meaning of our life and the suffering that we are offered, be it from illness or simply the passage of time. The good Cardinal is 90 years old and suffers from post-polio symptoms, leaving him unable to walk or speak any longer, yet still he lives his life to fullest, keeping his "eyes fixed upon Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

Do read the whole article over at the National Catholic Register.