Endurance
I've lately been reading a quadruple literary/spiritual biography of Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, Flannery O'Connor, and Walker Percy. I originally heard the book's author on NPR's Speaking of Faith and subsequently borrowed the book from a friend. It's a great read and fascinates on multiple levels regarding American history, literature, and spirituality. I am not a Catholic, but find much to admire in the tradition - particularly in the realm of social justice theology and practice- as well as in the individuals studied in the book. I admit I find myself most drawn to Dorothy Day and Flannery O'Connor, perhaps not only for our shared gender but also because I have never considered becoming a monk (Merton) or a philosopher-writer (Percy) but have on occasion flirted with a radical life among the poor (Day) and, well, I just love O'Connor's writing and the fact that she also spent an exile in Iowa City.
What I find most engaging about the book is its attention to how each of these individuals made their way as believers and sought to communicate with their contemporaries - those of faith and not - about their experience. This was often fraught with misunderstanding, frustration, and occasional epiphany. I find this true to life myself. Through the book I'm finding some good comradeship and a fair share of wit and wisdom along the way.
Of particular note is the following quote from Flannery O'Connor's correspondence. I will be holding fast to this one as particular individuals and churches do their best to make the Christian faith seem indefensible to the world. Brooklyn Park's Mac Hammond provides a current example. My husband and I have recently spent time clucking our tongues, composing potential letters to the editor, and citing as many Biblical passages as possible that might heap burning coals upon Hammond's head (ok, perhaps a little humility is in order). While reading the book last night, I found this from Flannery and will take heed as we move on:
"It seems to be a fact that you have to suffer as much from the Church as for it, but if you believe in the divinity of Christ you have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it."