C.A.D

19 September 2015

Los Arcos

C.A.D

Today was a delightful day’s walk.  It had a nasty 200m climb first thing in the morning and a steep descent right afterward.  Just when I was feeling really good about the walk, a second injury occurred. I have been nursing a crabby left knee and picked up an elastic sleeve for it. It was during a long step down that I hyperextended my right knee. At first it felt like someone had stabbed me in the knee with a pen knife. It was so painful, and at the beginning of a 24km day! I hobbled along for 3km until reaching a little café and treated it as best I could. Prayers are appreciated.

For miles today there was the site of an ancient city perched far above the countryside in the city of Monjardin.  It is there that this medieval city dominated the view of vast rolling farm fields, vineyards, and olive trees. Far, far in the background you could see the steep, off-white rock wall of northern Spain’s mountainous escarpment, a sheer wall of rock separating the Camino from the sea to the north.

Still, amongst all this natural beauty, there was Monjardin.  It was mind-boggling to consider how in the world all the stone and material was transported up that vertical, rocky perch.  However, what consumed my every thought today while gawking at this ancient marvel were the words from scripture, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” The structure was so conspicuous and impressive all I could contemplate was Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Maybe it’s just the crazy way I’m hardwired, but I got to imagining this question, “So what could be hidden up on that hill?” Certainly not a city like Monjardin. I imagined a village up that high could be hidden. Certainly a small hamlet of small structures could be hidden. A single structure would also very easily be hidden. The smaller that area of structures for fewer and fewer people the less visible it could be “set on a hill.”

Yet the scripture clearly states that it is a “city.” I thought, so what’s the difference? It is this. A city is a large community. It can be made up many people living, working, sharing joys and struggling together.  As I considered the alternatives of village, hamlet and small single homes, there are fewer people in which to make community.  What I came to embrace is the idea that perhaps Jesus was speaking also about how elevated in importance it is for people to grow as clusters of small communities into a strong and mighty site for all to see.

Then there is the next line, “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket.” Here’s how it all fit together in my thinking.  God has struck a light of His love and unique gifts in each of us. When that light is brought together with the light of others, the light grows and grows for all to see. What a brilliant city of light becomes of a communities bringing their light together as one city!

Yes, a city of light set on a hill cannot be hidden! It cannot be that magnificent city without those communities of accumulated light.

Here is the dilemma. Community involvement furthermore, community building becomes the casualty of the breakneck speed of today’s living and bulging “to-do lists.” I’m not referring to kids’ sports  team communities or dance/tumbling team nights. Those communities have no issues with commitment.  In contrast, so many find it inconceivable to commit to faith-based community activities. What I contemplated was how the downward spiral away from community pulls one person’s involvement, then another, then another.  It played in my mind like removing one candle light, then another, then another. With each withdrawl of candle light, the city up on that hill does become hidden in darkness.

Again, my imagination, but perhaps what is confronting many of us is C.A.D. That is, Community. Avoidance. Disorder. So many don’t or won’t get involved in faith-based community activities because, in truth, they’re avoiding them.  Some might think that another commitment seems ludicrous when life is already like surviving as a one armed wallpaper hanger with the hives. Whatever good excuses there are, the ugly truth faces all of us. We have a tendency for C.A.D. when it comes to faith-based community.

What a loss it is to our growth as good, faithful, and loving people without a small faith-based community that meets regularly to share the joys and struggles of life! For most of us, C.A.D. is the direct opposite direction to what would make life richer, more understandable, more confidently directed, less lonely, and blessedly more supported on life’s journey.  My contemplation today convinced me that what might seem to be a necessary sacrifice by avoiding a faith-based community life, is, in truth, the very necessary lighthouse to guide our days, our week, and maintain a faith-filled life direction.

Take a pause in your thinking and consider the degree of C.A.D. going on in your life.  What drives your avoidances? How insurmountable are these avoidances? Really, are they really insurmountable or are the reasons motivated by seat time in the Lazy Boy in front of mindless television? Let’s be real. Is there not one night every week that could not a few hours of community fit a rearranged schedule? Be honest. If joining a small, faith-based community seems like a life sentence commitment, consider offering the community a season of weekly meetings over one study or discussion topic. 

And if you are already involved in a small base community, blessed are you. You understand the benefits. Stay firm and committed in your attendance and support. Share the good news of what your community has done to enrich your life. Encourage others to start one.

Yes, combating C.A.D. requires a shuffle of time and life/family schedules. Yes, you won’t be able to imagine finding the energy for community night.  Kids in the equation will make it seem impossible, but creative thinking can overcome these avoidances. New disciplines in life practices have some growing pains. All of these situations are true. Everything in life with value comes with some degree of sacrifice.

Consider the other end of the spectrum by withdrawing and/or avoiding community. Our single light slides under that bushel basket, which denies the world around us to grow from your unique light. Sadly, all live a dimmer and dimmer life without the light of others.

Recall these lyrics to this hymn, “WE are the light of the world, a light that shines before men, that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.”

Hmmmm. What new small, faith-based community will God arrange upon my return? I anticipate it with great joy.

Peace, love, and joy,

Deacon Willie, DW