Scripture:
Reflection:
Who Can Live Without Some Privilege?
The desert journey invites an encounter with God in the Scriptures. There is the white noise of war and its effects, too many political words that say little to the hopes our hearts seek, dignity swept aside by violence. So, in these wet and dreary winter days on the east coast I hear a second invitation to withdraw into myself. Will the God of the Lenten desert meet a solitary winter wanderer who feels quite discontent.
I have recently read writings by Barry Lopez, a modern-day world explorer who has gone to the edges of the globe and lived harsh ways of survival as he comes to know the people and cultures of these remote areas. There is wonder in what he sees, but I sense it is the people he wants to know. Reflecting on how his experiences have made him who he is, he tells a revealing story….One night in a heavy rain storm after being in the wild for a few months, loaded down with luggage and equipment, he arrives at a prestigious club in the heart of Manhattan. He apologizes to the concierge for not being dressed according to code – after a few days travel he has just arrived at the airport and is a day early for his reservation. He hopes there is a room. ‘There is no room; your reservation will be honored tomorrow.’ He asked to please speak with the manager. The manager eyed him and affirmed he would be welcome for the next night. And then became surprisingly insulting and dismissive. Barry said no more. He hailed a cab for a hotel and returned the next evening to claim his reservation. But he did not play a trump card. He did not say that his father was one of the founders of the club and a significant person in it. He didn’t one-up those who belittled him.
His story ends there. No more. But realize he has been living with the people on the margins of the natural world, people surrounded by unspeakable wonders of creation and wildness, yet whose lives are primitive and by our standards poor in every way. He did not have to win, to have his way, there are obstacles, we go around.
The people to whom Hosea speaks today have a piety like morning dew. They have figured God out – one who renews, who heals wounds and raises up. We will offer sacrifice, they say, and count on this God who always shows up! Do we detect a note of privilege? Yes, God will surely do their bidding. They might be in for a surprise. Or the Pharisee who has found the fast lane as opposed to the weary tax collector who feels himself in the middle of a desert. His prayer comes from the depth of his being. How human and how profound. He will meet God in the desert or in the lane for slow-moving vehicles on the right side of the steep hill. With the old, slow vehicles, the breakdowns, and struggling pedestrians there God is giving a push to some, hope and encouragement to all.
May we serve others in love rather than step on the ‘Little Guy’ to gain status and privilege. In the wilderness of the desert or the winter of our hearts and souls may we meet the God who travels the margins, who shows us in poverty we are rich. Nothing can impede the surprises of God who raises up those humbly bowed down so they feel a brother’s love. And after emptying the pockets of those who come prepared for every emergency, we laugh because now we know we need not fear having enough.
Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.