Thursday, 21 November, 2002

From "A Story-Formed Community:Reflections on Watership Down in The Hauerwas Reader.



Along the journey of Watership Down, there are rabbits that are added to this warren from another warren they visit. There was Fiver who had many skills to offer to the group but then we hear of others:

Pipkin, like Fiver, was small; unlike Fiver, he had no gift or skill. Though weak and constantly in need of help, in some ways he is the most crucial rabbit for the determination of the character of Watership Down warren. By endangering themselves in order to care for Pipkin, they develop an openness to the stranger.



Years ago I remember reading a comment that went something like this: The Character of a society is noted by how they treat the elderly and infirmed. It can be so easy to leave off those who do not meet a certain grade. Too often we judge a person's worth by what they can produce or what they can bring to the "table" in the form of skills and wealth. In the gospel lesson for this Sunday, it is the story of the sheep and the goats and how they do not know what they have done right or wrong. In both of their cases, the ones who would usually be overlooked become the center of attention. One group of animals attends to the needs of the those who were most left out and in need during their lives. The other group did not pay them any attention. The community of the beloved of God have such a character about them that no one is left out and without the care of the others. That is the vision. That is life that is eternally creative and blessed and saving. It is the kind of life that considers the whole and seeks after the well being of all. Just as our God sees in each and everyone of us - even when we are strangers - a beloved child for who God will give up all things, so are we invited to have such eyes and such action in regard to those around us. The stranger is not a stranger among us.



Connection: Pipkin did not have to be the center of attention in the community. Pipkin was simply included. Room was made. Pipkin, was brought on board and in that action we are given a view of the backbone - the character of others. Pipkins mere being...being within the whole is a gift to the whole. The church would do well to prayerfully consider our ability to "endanger themselves" for the welfare of the least among us.



God of infinite love and mercy,