Fearless Faith

Why is it when it comes to weather that “traces” always linger? Traces of snow and rain linger as well as traces of clouds, sunshine and fog. A lingering frost is not very fast on its feet, particularly in the shadows of the morning and the haze of humidity in mid-summer loiters as much as lingers throughout the long day. One would think it impossible to get a complete weather picture if all we have are but traces of conditions. Somehow or another, however, the traces end up adding up and there is a one hundred percent chance of weather every day, a forecast that has yet to disappoint.

Seasons also linger, slowly blending into one another with an occasional outburst of unexpected warmth or cold, hail or downpours. Lingering warm Chinook winds from the front range are always welcome in the heart of winter. An occasional lower than low temperature usually lurks in hiding somewhere in the Indian summer days of fall. We know it is there, but it cannot keep us from admiring the slow movement of the seasons. Sunrises, sunsets, the heat of the day and the cold of night all linger but do not remain, reminding us of the constancy and inevitability of change every day.

As we grow into the spiritual gifts that each of us are given, we share also in the lingering traces of those who accompany us on the journey; friends, family, neighbors and prior generations inform our faith. Not all these traces represent truth and goodness, for there is much within the human heart that is despicable. But, as with weather, we take what is given us in part and we make it work. When inclement weather comes, we have a choice how we respond. Some complain and pray for better days. Others embrace it for what it is, revealing the best in what is being offered while knowing the worst will not last. Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin looks to a polyphonic concept of truth, in which each voice, while distinct from the others, cannot be removed from the chorus without making it incomplete. The traces of understandings girding our faith may be partial, yet they can be harmonized with other partial truths into something larger than the sum of the parts.

The Apostle Paul offers … “[I]t is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God (1 Cor 4:3-5, NRSV).”

Do not be in a hurry to push the lingering traces of others’ faith aside or even your own. They will move along at the appointed time and your spiritual understanding will grow. Meanwhile, be patient. Be tolerant. Lasting truth requires many voices.