A Moment Aside --- 25 February 2021
Although this quote is taken from a well-known work of fiction – The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – and is put in the mouth of a fictional character, it does have the sound of truth to it.
Professor
Tolkien was a dedicated Christian and his faith influenced his writing, even
the writing of this much-loved fantasy trilogy; his faith shines through all
three books as well as his smaller works. His World War I experience of war and
the suffering it brings also coloured his writing. The simple heroism he saw
among his comrades was mirrored in the heroes of The Lord of the Rings.
In that book, the greatest accomplishments are achieved by the lowliest of all
the characters. He saw that same sense in the trenches in France, where in the
midst of death and destruction, the everyday kindness and similar behavior kept
that insanity in check for him and many of his men.
The
character, Gandalf the wizard, says these words to put great deeds in
perspective. In the story, he is surrounded by great and powerful heroes,
amazing magics, terrifying enemies, and such things that “heroic fantasy” have
as a stock-in-trade. Yet, he praises the simple and the ordinary deeds of simple
and ordinary people as the great bulwark against despair and ultimate loss.
If we do
the simple and ordinary things of our lives, we are fortifying that same
fortress against despair and ultimate loss. Such things are done in the grace
of God and that is something we can remember. Such things are the groundwork of
all that soars and sparkles.
Think now…
what is Niagara Falls? It is composed of drops of water… lots and lots and lots
of drops of water and nothing can stand against that power. In the same way, if
God is with us, what can stand against the “graced ordinary” of the people of
God?
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