Susan Boyle: Why Do We Care So much?

Michael Paulson, the Boston Globe's religion writer, asks, "Why does video of Susan Boyle move us?" I've been wondering the same thing - he says "Google reports that "Susan Boyle" is . . . the second fastest-rising search term in the world." In answer, Paulson points us to what James Martin, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is the associate editor of America magazine, says about that:

The way we see Susan Boyle is very nearly the way God sees us: worthwhile, special, talented, unique, beautiful. The world generally looks askance at people like Susan Boyle, if it sees them at all. Without classic good looks, without work, without a spouse, living in a small town, people like Susan Boyle may not seem particularly "important." But God sees the real person, and understands the value of each individual's gifts: rich or poor, young or old, single or married, matron or movie star, lucky or unlucky in life. God knows us. And loves us.

"Everybody is somebody" said Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan at his installation Mass in New York City yesterday. That's another reason why the judges smile and the audience explodes in applause.

Because they recognized a basic truth planted deep within them by God: Susan Boyle is somebody.

Everybody is somebody.

Makes sense to me.

(If you have been hibernating in a cave somewhere and have not seen the video clip the Rev. Martin is writing about, it is here, at the bottom of the page.)