Beyond the rewards of humble discipline, can there be an honorable reason for me to write? So many before me and around me have said so much, so often, so well.
My words form but a thin and tepid broth when served alongside the rich, subtle flavors, the nourishing, steaming word stews of the masters - words that warm the blood and bones.
"The Rebel Jesus" was written by such a master - Jackson Browne. I find amid his warm and wintery word images, a clear, honest and gentle - yet razor edged - observation of our human-ness.
Recently, with pleasure, pride and a watchful eye, I witnessed my son, Mick, stand alone before the Sunday morning congregation of a local church and perform Browne's song "The Rebel Jesus". This rebel lad stood alone and sang out strong, clear, and without apology, the masterful words of the rebel Jackson Browne - in honor of one of the greatest rebels - the rebel Jesus.
Another master and rebel, Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the 1800's wrote sage and cautionary counsel to souls like Browne and Harris. From his essay "Illusions" Emerson warns:
"Society does not love it's unmaskers"
The risks inherent in "societal unmasking" - the risks of being isolated, marginalized, demonized - and the risk of retribution are all risks that each honorable rebel soul - known or unknown - past, present and future - must accept. Many have already paid dearly.
God bless the loving and compassionate-rebel souls of Jesus, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Jackson Browne, Mick Harris and so many others.
THE REBEL JESUS .... by Jackson Browne
The streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tables
Giving thanks for all God's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus
They call him by the "Prince of Peace"
And they call him by "The Saviour"
And they pray to him upon the sea
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus
We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why there are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus
But pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgement
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure and I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus.
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5 comments:
You yourself are a rebel for encouraging Mick to sing that song in a church, and Mick, too for doing it. I imagine there was a moment of bated breath when he finished, given that you didn't know what the reaction of the congregation would be. It does point out truthfulness to people, which they don't always like, especially when it may interfere with the distraction of holiday glee. Ho ho ho!
Humble thanks from this pilgrim for your words that moved me deeply with appreciation and gratitude and a sense of who do I think I am, which are useful things to experience. It is good to be reminded that the "savior" said something about his mission was not to bring peace but a sword. Is that to coleslaw the ego? I am glad you shared that and your haiku.
These words are from Laura Solberg no matter if it says they are from Gordon!
Dad! How sweet and complimentary of you to include my name among such master "unmaskers". I personally think your name should be there instead of mine. But, I guess that's the classic human response to dimish one's self.
That song is truly beautiful and it was moving to play it to such a staunchly religious crowd.
I love you very much and it is an honor to be your son.
Merry Rebel Jesus Day
Mick
Au contraire, these words are from Gordon even though it says they're from Laura!
To The Humble Pilgrim:
Whichever manifestation of Solgerg-ness or (combination of manifestations) you are -
Thank you for your comments.
Peace to you...
To Mick Harris:
You're a fine and honorable lad.
Merry Rebel Jesus Day to you too young man!
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