2022-12-02 A Meditation on Topsy-Turvy Living

“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (Jn 9:4 ESV)

Life is so topsy-turvy, we do not live at the climate appropriate to all going on for us. But, rather, whether troubled or blessed, it is the simple friendship and space to coexist, carved out, that does rail against the devil, against the blasphemy, against the minions of evil.

So much for laboring our way into blessedness: these labors make hope scarce and preach a false gospel to us, one of Works. In the light of that false gospel, we have a deep sense of emptiness: is this all that life is about, me working hard to define my own religion, my own blessedness, my own deservedness? Yet see the abundant fruit of two people, or more, who share a vision. In that case, though hell itself be on the doorstep, we are oblivious and meek and excited and purposeful. “Let us today celebrate one another, celebrate a friendship, celebrate that, to the eyes of some, things are going great around here!”

Some things in life are for others to excel in, but in what counts we have a repose unfamiliar to those not inducted. We have walked the walk with a friend. We have together seen what doors do open to us, what leadership openness has presented itself, what treasures in jars of clay we have in a liminal season and moment; if we seem confident, it is because we are confident about love. If we seem purposed, it is because the friendship itself is our project and operation, not the naysayers who would have us servile and frightened. If we seem illuminated, it is because wild gifts have come our way, with the intention and foreknowledge: this one will go through trials; all good things are a fighting operation and are needed and are put to good use; this is no indulgence, but a chance—in the town, on the scene, lounging and hearkening to that good conversation—to prepare and to fight and to be, like Jesus was, blessed on the eve of His death (Matt 26:10ff). We, too, go to a moment of trial, a “Hey!” (rather, “Hey?”) at the avalanche launched our way, of miscommunication, of enmity, of discordant brands of fellowship.