Copyright 2006 Rev. Amy B. Freedman

Becoming a Faithful Fool

Rev. Amy B. Freedman
Channing Memorial Church
April 16, 2006

Something as simple as wearing a hat can change your entire outlook. This is the second year of our Easter Parade at Channing. I will never forget the feeling in church when we began this tradition last year. The only word that can describe it is electric! Like today, there was sheer joy in being in one another's presence. How often do you get to see a grown-man wearing a bunny on his head? Many children are dressed in their Sunday best topped off with flowers and eggs. Last year, some boys wore their baseball uniforms and June Wing wore tennis balls around the brim of her hat in celebration of her favorite pastime. It is fun to see all the color and variety represented here today. I have seen lots of smiles and heard some laughter this morning.

To be creative in this way involves some risk. Wearing a silly hat draws more attention to yourself than you may be accustomed. There is the possibility that others might misunderstand or pass judgment. However, by doing this together as a religious community, we are embracing the spirit of the season. Just as Nature is bursting forth with new life, we are throwing off our drab winter clothes in celebration of spring. Not only does this connect us with the cycles of life, it also more easily connects us with one another. Instead of keeping our gaze down, we look into one another's faces and more easily converse. As we experience this renewed sense of joy, this attitude spills outward so that we more readily connect even if that person is not wearing a hat.

The title of my homily on this Easter Sunday is inspired by the Faithful Fools Street Ministry of San Francisco . I first met the Rev. Kay Jorgenson when I was in seminary. She is a vibrant woman who serves as the Social Justice minister of the UU Society of San Francisco. Kay is also the founder of a street ministry with Sister Carmen Barsody that is a compassionate presence in the Tenderloin district, an area known for drug dealing, homelessness, and poverty. The Faithful Fools actually wear hats in the tradition of the court jester complete with bright colors, ribbons, and bells. Why would they do such a thing? As Kay explains it, "The hats are to help negotiate the boundary crossings that we may need to negotiate to understand each other. We often take ourselves too seriously, and it gets in the way." The Faithful Fools lead retreats in which people spend several days on the streets. Their mission is not to change the folks who they encounter but to discover their common humanity. The hats are a way of acknowledging the absurdity of society and crossing the boundaries that often divide the rich and poor.

This was the message of Jesus that did not expire with his last breath. Despite what some may suggest Jesus' life was anything but conventional. His parables and teachings live on because he overturned convention. Instead of settling down with a family, his band of disciples wandered sharing an inclusive message. Jesus' friends included prostitutes and tax collectors. He brought a healing word and touch to the outcasts of society. His spiritual teachings of forgiveness and non-violence demonstrated a way of life based on love and compassion instead of fear and aggression.

The historical story of Passover also serves as a reminder that transformation is possible. Each year, Jews hold a Seder or ceremonial meal in which all ages retell the story of the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. By reading the familiar tale families remember their heritage. More than that, by eating symbolic foods and participating in ancient rituals, each person relives the joy, suffering, pain and rejoicing of the past. What I treasure most about observing Passover is that it is not a mere sentimental exercise. The rituals bring into focus the importance of overturning oppression and securing freedom for all people. There is more work to be done to make this world a better place to live in.

Wearing a funny hat will not solve the world's problems. However, as we enter a new season in which the Earth's springtime renewal surround us, it is a good time to put on a brand new attitude by becoming a faithful fool. What do I mean by becoming a faithful fool? I mean not taking ourselves so seriously. Our attitude often affects the people around us more than we realize.

As an experiment, at least one day this week, greet everyone who crosses your path with a smile and warm "Hello!" You will be pleased to notice how friendly people will become. Even if you are not feeling especially outgoing, your spirit will be lightened by putting on this new approach. Of course, it is a risk to be that open. Some people may not respond in kind. However, you will find that it is a risk worth taking in the creation of a kinder world.

Becoming a faithful fool means standing up for the worth of humanity even when the evidence is hard to find. There is so much in the news that tells of the arrogance, rage, and deception of people. It takes faith to remember the inherent worth and dignity of every person. To live for the common good instead of personal gain requires spiritual discipline. We need the support of like-minded people to discuss the issues of our times, to teach our children, to shore us up during hard times, and to work together to over turn systems of oppression.

Becoming a faithful fool means doing small things with great love. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the scale of the world's problems. In the words of Mother Teresa, "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." This is from the woman who tended the sick on the streets of Calcutta. We could say that she was foolish to devote her life to care for a seemingly endless problem. Mother Teresa not only saw the worth and dignity of each person, but by reaching out with love she was practicing her faith.

Becoming a faithful fool also means to risk failure and loss. Life demands courage. No matter how much we may try to plan and prepare there is a great deal outside of our control. As much as we may shrink back and try to play it safe, we cannot escape the fact that each one of us is vulnerable. The stories of Easter and Passover remind us that we are a part of an ancient struggle of hope over despair, freedom over oppression. In the days ahead, let us find ways to break the boundaries that divide us making amends with those who may be estranged from us, finding time for our loved ones, and reaching out to those who need support. As we move out into the world, let us do small things with great love.