This week we came to the end of the Way of Love series, but not the end of the Way of Love. Our seventh word was, “go”. It’s fitting and appropriate to end there because when we are following the Way of Love, we aren’t usually going to be standing still. It is the sentiment of the dismissal on Sundays that often begins with the word go! Our true place as Christians is not in the Church, but in the world. Although we live in the world, we don’t always go out to meet it, though.
I recently rewatched all the “Lord of the Rings” movies, and in the “Fellowship of the Ring”, there is a moment where Frodo and Sam are walking through a field when Sam stops short and says, “This is it.” “This is what?” Frodo asks him. “If I take one more step, this will be the furthest I’ve ever been from home.” This is no small thing in the world of Hobbits. Hobbits are homebodies who famously don’t like adventure or anything that isn’t familiar and comfortable. Had either of them truly known where their quest would ultimately lead, I’m not sure Sam would have taken that next step. But he did.
I’m sure that J.R.R. Tolkien had some people in mind when coming up with Hobbits. In truth, they capture a certain aspect of the human spirit. We all have within us a desire for safety and familiarity, security and peace. We don’t tend to go looking for trouble, and we would be just as happy not to be bothered by quests, figurative or literal. And yet, as you know the story, it is the latent faithfulness and heroism of the Hobbits that saves the world. Although he was resistant to over-allegorizing his writing, Tolkein no doubt intended to send a message about the human spirit, nonetheless.
Our preacher on Sunday was Bishop Charles Bennison, retired Bishop of Pennsylvania. He reflected on the resurrection experience of Peter and the other disciples who met Jesus on the shore after fishing. We sang the hymn that reminded us that following Jesus and knowing the peace of Christ isn’t always the peace we had in mind; Peter was crucified upside down, and John was imprisoned on an Island until he died. To take the step to go and follow Jesus brings risk. We certainly have to leave our comfort zone, at a minimum. Indeed, the Episcopal Church has a tiny little book on this aspect of the Way of Love that says, “[Jesus] sends us beyond our circles and comfort, to witness to the love, justice, and truth of God with our lips and with our lives. We go to listen with humility and join God in healing a hurting world. With God’s help, we cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus.”
Going can make us uncomfortable. It is inconvenient. It can be downright scary, in fact, if we go to the places where God is working and invites us to work, too. As the above statement reminds us though, we do not ever go alone. We go, with God’s help. I have a sense that this fits with the way of Hobbits, too. When Sam stops short, Frodo walked back to meet Sam, smiles and puts his arm around Sam and simply says, “Come on, Sam,” and they walk on together. As they continue on their way, Frodo says, “Remember what Bilbo used to say: It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Our job is to keep the faith, and our feet, and follow where the Spirit blows us. God knowingly walks the Way with us, for which I am grateful. The Way of Love continues. It’s just one more step.
Tom+
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Photo Credits: Screenshot from Fellowship of the Ring, New Line Cinema. Taking a step, Siri Wannapat, via Dreamstime.com subscription.