For Donny...

Last night I worked with the youth ministry of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church up in Malden, Mass., just north of Boston. It was an awesome experience, and the young people of IC are "the bomb". Basically, the Spirit called us to embrace the challenges that come with the commitment to being a "disciple", something I blog on faithfully. Those challenges are certainly outlined within the past many blogposts, and as cliche as they can be, they are real and somewhat formidable. Young and old alike, unless you can keep your own relationship with your God intact, then you certainly can't assist others in building their relationship (duh)!

Enter Donny... As soon as we were finished with the two-hour program called "AP Life", a young man named Donny, and two others walked into the Parish Hall. Donny is a thin young man, displaying many tattoos. His baggy shorts, white tank top, and Red Sox hat tilted a tad to the right, combined with his swagger, told me that he was a tough character. With respect to the challenges that come with putting all this "Jesus Stuff" to the test, the timing couldn't have been better. As soon as we were done with our fun games that had meaning and direction built into them, and when the prayer for strength and courage to lead and guide us into our way as disciples was over... In walks Donny and his friends.

If you haven't figured it out yet, Donny needs Christ in his life, and Donny comes around the parish every now and then just to see what's going on. My guess is that this is the way Donny does it every time. He waits in the wings for the prayer or "good for you" program to be over, and then walks in as folks are leaving to see Scott, the parish YM. The kids see, and probably know Donny's story. But yet, they are not ready, nor would Donny be open, to them offering some initial greeting, and reassurance of Christ presence in their midst. No, Donny always comes to see Scott, and the kids get to observe the real nature of how discipleship can work. That's the gift of the timing... These kids got to observe how all this theory, and banter from Greg really plays out.

Forming: Scott the YM not only welcomes Donny, but he stresses that he has been missed by simply saying "Donny! How's it going, and where the heck have ya' been?". The hand shake follows, and the discipleship begins!

Storming: Donny goes on to describe all the reasons why he hasn't been able to stop by, and all the turmoil in his life that has gotten in the way. Comforted by his friends joining him, Donny doesn't show too much concern, as most things are never too much for Donny to handle!

Norming: Scott the YM and Donny have a leisurely conversation about anything and nothing, and Scott tells Donny what he missed, both that evening, and the times since he last stopped by, but stressed that, "You are always welcome Donny, so don't be such a stranger!". The conversation contiued, and Donny was very comfortable just hanging out.

Performing: Up walks me, Mr. Short Guy, to say "Hi, my name is Greg". Donny shakes my hand, asks me where I am from. I say Alabama, he and his friends sing the chorus to "Sweet Home Alabama", and we all laugh! Then I simply ask, "Whatcha been doing this Summer?" The story he told of having a job, losing a job, and the personal struggles he faced, mostly due to his hot temper, and his cool swagger, told me that by stopping by to see Scott, he was in the right place, and dabbling in the right relationship.

There's no conclusion here, just the reality that "Church" always seems to happen when the Church service, or the "Jesus Stuff" Speech is over. My last word to Donny was simply, "You're a good man... Don't let the crap get the better of you!" We all left, and the Massachusetts sun rose this morning on me, the kids from IC, Scott, their amazing YM, and on Donny and his friends.

I thank God for bringing me back to Boston, and for the sharing with me, the great people of Immaculate Conception Parish in Malden. But today, I pray for Donny... "Jesus, be with Donny, and his hot temper, and cool swagger... Christ, continue to show him your Way, and guide him in your love and peace... Lord, you make all things new. Transform the lives of your faithful, especially Donny, so that we may renew the face of the earth!"