Twentysecond and third days of Lent:Sometimes you just have to set principle aside and do what's right

3/19

The day begins with reassurances, ends with fears realized.

I head to Don’s office to learn about his work and hear a new song in development. 

Back at the office, Danielle and I developing a strategy of what to do next. 

All too soon, its time for Bible Study. Tonight we’re looking at Matthew’s version of the Anunciation, the angel’s visit to Joseph. (1: 18-25) We realize even though he is a righteous man, a law abider, he decides to find a way to save Mary from capital punishment, stoning for adultery, even before the angel has visited him. He has discovered a deeper sense of obdeience, of rightoeousness, one centered in mercy. As always with Matthew, the whole of the Gospel present at every stage. Hope thinks that maybe Joseph telling this story to Jesus comes to him when the woman is about to be stoned. Could have been his own mother. Joseph taught him the quality of mercy.

It’s St. Joseph’s Day. John has brought rich, creamy St.Joseph’s day pastries from an Italian bakery on his way home from work. We enjoy them together. And have enough for Teddy and Steve to share.  I recall that in New Orleans, this is the last day that Mardi Gras Indians parade. The next day, the costumes begin to be disassembled. 

Off for drinks with Jamie and talking through strategy.

I’m remembering something that someone said to me the year I worked in the little town of Oakdale, west of Pittsburgh. They were supposedly conservative/evangelical, me supposedly beyond liberal. We loved each other. We shared a sense of the sacredness of community. 

In that context, someone said to me, related to accepting a community member who was outside their normal bounds of sexual expression, sometimes you just have to set principle aside and do what’s right. 

3/20

I meet with everyone in the coop to bring them up to date on what’s going on. 

Danielle and I face a day of digging through files, assembling papers, filling out forms, phone  calls. Stress rising. 

Late in the day, I give a tour of the building to a rabbi and one of his board members. They’re looking more to buy than lease. The church house is a little rough for them, the presence of Occupiers, well, rough too. Though the rabbi says he can feel the spirit of the place.

Running out of time. Critical work to be done.  A guy on a bike from Hattiesburg, Mississippi who just wants to help, doesn’t know why people won’t let him just help, doesn’t want to push himself in where he’s not wanted, why back home the way they do it...is going on and on. I need to leave soon for Newark..We finally just close the doors. I feel like crying.