I went to church this evening for a change. It was much quieter than Sunday mornings when many families and children attend. The Gospel reading was about a blind man who wanted to be healed. He followed Jesus, yelling the whole while until he was noticed. He knew who Jesus was and he knew what He could do. The priest made a connection between this story and a child who goes to Mass with his family usually on Sunday mornings. I knew exactly who he was referring to. The child is non-verbal and autistic. He makes loud sounds during the celebration. Many times the people around him will squirm uncomfortabley in their seats. The priest compared the boy to the blind man. When the blind man continued to call out for Jesus, people were annoyed and told him to be quiet. But that didn’t stop him. He yelled all the more until Jesus brought Him to Himself. Now, we don’t know exactly what is going on in the child’s mind, but sushing him is not really an option. The priest noticed that during the consecration, the child gets particularly quiet. He definitely has his own unique relationship with God. I go to that particular Mass often, so his popping and howling sounds are not unexpected any more. I have noticed, though, that he seems to be reacting more to the music. He will almost copy the melody. That is exciting for me to hear. I feel he is connecting on a different level. And I know how much music can have an impact on a person’s life. I thought the priest made an interesting correlation with the Gospel today, and appreciated the reflection.

I Found God today thinking about the impact church may have on a boy with autism.