Psalm 30:6 Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Holy Trinity Church is downtown. In a downtown parish, it doesn’t take long to meet the neighbors. Some become regular visitors, even without stopping in at worship times. Some ‘regulars’ live outdoors in the neighborhood.
Psalm 30:7 While I felt secure, I said, “I shall never be disturbed. You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”
This morning, as the first meeting of the day concluded, one of our neighbors-outdoors stopped in. Let’s call him Chaz, not his real name, in this story. Even with the first coffee of the day in hand, Chaz walked around in an elevated state of agitation. Once he had paced off some energy, what emerged was a typical story: a woman in the neighborhood had insinuated that he ought not be here and threatened to call the police. Yet Chaz has been in this neighborhood for a long time, which I think demonstrates at least some circumspection on his part. Unless agitated, he keeps a low profile.
Psalm 30:8 Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear.
Relative invisibility, however, may have been a factor in a recent incident. Not long ago, Chaz was hit by a car on Second street as he was riding his bicycle. According to witnesses, the car drove away before a license plate or other information could be collected. Chaz’ bicycle was damaged. Chaz was injured but he refused to be taken to hospital or a clinic, or to call police. In a previous incident, Chaz called the police and it did not turn out well for him.
Psalm 30:9 I cried to you, O LORD; I pleaded with the Lord, saying, “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?”
This time, neighbors helped. He was sheltered, temporarily, by a friend, who treated his cuts and scrapes. His bicycle was repaired, and in a few days, returned to him. However, this morning’s visit makes it clear that, while neighbors came to Chaz’ assistance, his problems are far from having a solution. Some neighbors fear him, because he is unhoused and excitable. Chaz fears these neighbors, because they threaten him; he fears the police, because they have repeatedly arrested him; and in his fear Chaz becomes excited. It is a vicious circle that he can’t seem to escape.
‘Fear In God Out (FIGO)’ is one of the most frequent admonitions of Judeo-Christian scripture. Some say that ‘Fear not!’ appears in the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible 365- or even 366- times. Despite this, the message seems not to have become a foundation of our practices.
Chaz is a professed follower of Christ, as are many (even most) of our neighbors. Yet, vicious circles of fear are evident in neighborhoods, across our nation, and between nations. The economy of fear drives politics and generates growth in the sales of arms and all sorts of defensive gear. It multiplies ‘clicks’ in online search, and it sensationalizes the news and promotes the sequestration of economic benefit and isolation of all sorts of relationships.
‘Love one another,’ says Jesus, ‘just as I have loved you.’ The many projections of fear are diminished in the presence of love. This is not ‘one and done,’ it requires a consistent regimen of practice, The way of Love. With encouragement, even the smallest seed of love grows and enlarges the way making a passage for others. Life’s path starts to bloom with significance and grace.
Psalm 30:12 Lord, You have turned my wailing into dancing; you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
The way of love is simple, and enriching: a cup of coffee and a few words of comfort. Small acts of kindness and a few more words of comfort. A willing presence that stands alongside need, a presence contrary to fearful cruelty.
The way of love is difficult, and rewarding: patience grows into understanding. We hear the wailing of the injured as the beginning of healing. We learn to stand unmoving and without threat, witnesses to injustice. We discover a new and steadfast commitment to peace, even when there is no peace.
Psalm 30:13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Fr. Gordon Blue is the rector for the Church of the Holy Trinity. “Living and Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
