By the Rev. Joanne Davies, SSJD Oblate
Do we speak to one another as we speak to God? What is Jesus asking us to do when he says, “Take up your cross and follow me?” Is suffering essential to be with Jesus?
In the book the Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien, a Fellowship of folks must travel together and share many trials. It is also the story of friendship and love beyond a task, beyond a goal. (In my home) I have a shelf dedicated to Tolkien’s books and on the shelf is a carved wooden sign that says “Speak Friend and Enter.” This was the initial translation of the elvish words on the gate to Moria …a place which will speed up the journey by going under the mountains instead of over the mountains pursued by wolves, other fearful things and definitely nasty horrifying orcs… Up to this point in their travels the Fellowship have spoken the right words to each other, though often not the words waiting on the tips of their tongues and they are as they stand before the gate holding their own ambitions close. However, they have reached a point where they must choose to travel underground in togetherness and sacrifice, for the care of each other, and to let go of control to the greater good. It is a long journey for them. The sign I see every day reminds me where I am called, and what it means. Because this translation of elvish that was first made is incorrect – it should be, “Say, Friend’ and enter. “Friend.” Imagine a life where calling someone “Friend” opens to peace and communion in life. This was the hope for Tolkien, a devout Christian, a good Roman Catholic, even as he knew such a journey would be long. Tolkien wrote with the experience and backdrop of the Great War, and then the Second World War. Thus, in his story the gate opens but the journey is indeed long, even treacherous. In the travels to true caring much must be given up so to gain the joyous extravagance of loving friendship, where love is poured out to open the gates of the kindom of God.
Jesus calls us to say “Friend” to each other near, so that we can say it to all the world afar… May it be a word that comes with profound loving meaning trippingly with joy our tongues… And even if we are not there now, God will open the gate and encourage us on the journey, no matter where we are along the way.
Suffering does not have to happen, but it is the way of our human journey. Something the incarnation opens up as truth to God. Jesus accepts that he must give away his life for his love. Suffering illuminates the path before Jesus. He tries so hard to make the disciples hear that for God’s giving forgiving love he must not hold on to or store up his days. Jesus asks his followers to follow him not for human power, but to take within themselves the power of God’s inclusive forgiving love. And, to give everything away. Jesus asks them to give their lives to his path and come to be transformed and to learn from the cross that they carry into Christ’s life; how to bring healing and hope and a sharing in the abundance God wants to provide.
It is not about suffering but about the love and friendship found. The gate opens. Our cross is transformed and transforming. For us and by us as we follow the path into Christ’s divine love making all things love.
To close I share a poem of an unknown author which I hope may illuminate what I I have spoken. The poem was left behind with the body of a dead child in a concentration camp in the Second World War.
O Lord remember not only the men and women
Of good will, but also those of ill will,
But do not remember all the suffering they inflicted on us;
Remember the fruits we have bought, thanks to
This suffering – our comradeship,
Our loyalty, our humility, our courage,
Our generosity, the greatness of heart
Which has grown out of all of this, and when
They come to judgement let all the fruits
Which we have borne be their forgiveness.
