The saying goes, if you remember the '60's, you weren't really there. I am a child of the '60's, although I wasn't really there. I remember them well – as a time of fervour and excitement, and of strong reaction to those who tried to challenge the dominant culture. I still count myself among that group, not so much now from a political viewpoint as from a spiritual one.
When I read "... whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God," (James 4:4a NRSV) my memories go back to events in my undergraduate days – teach-ins, protest marches, symbolic actions, all aimed at raising people's awareness of the way the world was going. And I remember being reviled by people around me, especially for my opposition to the war in Viet Nam. In my teacher training classes in 1969-'70, there were several American students, who had not come to Edmonton for the balmy climate, but (as one put it) because it wasn't "drafty."
I still flash the "V" sign for peace at times.
That was then, this is now. Now, I am working within a church whose origins are thoroughly establishment, trying to challenge the ways of the world from a perspective I believe comes from Jesus. Jesus challenged everyone, because everyone is involved in the fallen ways of this world.
Sometimes this ministry of challenge becomes more of a challenge than I can bear, and then I hear the psalmist's words:
'O that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.' (Psalm 55:6 NRSV)
But that rest can only be temporary. As Jesus said in the Gospel for Lent 2:
'... today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way' (Luke 13:33a NRSV)
Come, then, let us be on our way, doing God's work, calling and challenging, caring and comforting.
