Today I spent some time listening to Parker J. Palmer lecture at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Henderson Leadership Event. His word, like much of his writing, are deep and require us to take time to digest and consider. Each summer PTS coordinates a discussion and keynote on a common topic that the church faces—or an issue that the church will face. Today, as Palmer spoke abut how to “Stand in the Tragic Gap,” he concluded with the words of a familiar voice in the church—a voice that I am familiar with in my faith journey. He presented us with the words of Dorothy Day.
Dorothy was a journalist whose Catholic faith influenced much of how she saw the world and how she called the church to address the issues, both socially and theologically, of the day. It is no surprise to me that Parker’s work brought him into academic conversation with Dorothy. They share much many themes in their work. I appreciate Parker’s honesty and faithful reflection to issues that the church, and he himself, are dealing with.
And as he read the words of Dorothy Day, they felt applicable to the church now as we continue to move into the post-quarantine season. Here are her words:
“People say what is the sense of our small effort?
They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.
A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions.
Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that.
No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless.
There is too much work to do."
I understand that Dorothy was speaking to a Church that was unwilling to act in a different cultural season—they did not have deal with covid at all. But her words are applicable to us as we unmask and re-engage our community. Each person that you speak to, and with each conversation you have at work or in the home, you are working to build the church and build the church’s message in the larger community.
You may think that ’small talk’ in a Starbucks, or at the grocery store, or on the street waiting for the school bus is meaningless. But from my perspective you would be incorrect.
These conversations are necessary. They are helpful. They re-unite us to each other and help give us words to reach out in faith. When we gather together as the Body of Christ do we not affirm that we share a common mission and hope? If that is the case, then Dorothy’s words have a strong meaning for us.
“There is too much work to do. . .” And I would add, it is necessary work indeed.
I wonder if you will find some time to notice the small efforts that you make, or the places where you can make them again? Then by noticing these moments, will you in fact share how God has been at work in your life?
Blessings
Rev. Derek
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