Today We will jump forward in the section "Holy Habits" in pursuit of more about how we attempt to control what is considered 'holy and proper.'
Our fear and attempted erasure of otherness is not simply an external/institutional/cultural phenomenon, it is an existential experience that estranges us from "others" and from ourselves. We are collectively uncomfortable in our own skin. This reality is embodied in each of us in particular, and in our institutions and practices. Getting to the subdermal aspects of this dis-ease first begs for intentional openness to God's mystery and contradiction. Repentance and accountability, grief and anger, woundedness and survival skills take up spaces in our collective embodied experience. Communal "body" work can tell and heal the layers of our truth. This "body" work can loosen our grip on the inclinations that have formed our collective idols. These hallowed habits are embodied in how we form our worshiping communities and the role we allow for experiential dissonance in these communities.
Interesting. As I am sitting here writing and reading my upper back on the left side is knotting up and really filled with a deep muscle pain. So, I paused and pressed in on the point that hurts the most. From that place I moved to one close by - even more tender. I then remembered that someone suggested that I get a massage from someone who does 'deep work.' In other words, press on the pain - find out where it is coming from - follow it to the root - deal with it all. Body work like that is not without pain on top of pain. But it does involve stepping up and dealing as directly as possible with the problem/situation. I don't want to dull the pain with pain-killers without attempting to take a look at what has brought about the pain in the first place. Within the church, we must do this kind of body work. Nothing can simply be left up to the way things are - ignoring the fact that the body is made up of more than one people. The fact that the followers of Jesus are as diverse as can be and that we need that diversity and must own it in order to see ourselves become as new as the life that is promised, is vital for life together. Yes, there will be that experiential dissonance - but that is a part of the hopefulness of new life that is awaiting us all. Connection: So, I'm going home and I'm going to pull out this strange massaging stick that allows me to dig deep and reach every part of my back that is taking part in this stream of discomfort. One of my doctors tells me that when one part of my back acts up, I need to go out and walk - just walk. Walking is an easy way to make all the parts of the body work together. That togetherness is part of the work that heals. Within the strangeness of all who gather in your name, O God, sustain us that we will embrace that which is antithetical to us and yet really very much a part of the whole body. Pull us into the grand arena of your gracious work. Amen. |
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