The idea of transcendence often brings to mind something other-worldly, or beyond our normal sensory range. It is a concept that has developed in many spiritual traditions. Dictionaries remind us of where the word comes from: the prefix trans-from the Latin verb "to cross", or simply meaning "across", and -scend, from the Latin verb "to rise or climb," also the root of the English ascend. So, when we put the two together, we get something like "to climb across." This makes me think that transcendence is perhaps more earthly than we normally suppose. I, as a human being, am capable of transcendence in many ways. In order to climb across to a different place or reality, however, I must first be located somewhere perhaps on the right or wrong side of the fence, or sitting on it.
Most importantly, I think, people are able to transcend the limitations of self, of being only one, small, isolated person. The results of our actions, for better or worse, transcend our own perception of them.
Jesus speaks of this type of transcendence in action. In speaking of his kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46) he separates humanity into two categories: those who have cared for others and those who have not. Jesus sets himself and his power, in solidarity with those who often go unnoticed or are treated as insignificant: children, the homeless, the elderly, women, people marginalized because of their race or lifestyle—I could go on at length. Jesus (or Matthew) clearly lays out a crystallized picture of good and bad. The good take action, feeding those who are hungry, giving water or drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, providing clothing for the cold and naked, or visiting those who are sick or in prison. Evil is simply shown as the neglect of these actions.
It doesn’t take much extra energy to figure out who’s being slighted in a group situation and then make a conscious effort to include that person. Jesus first identifies himself as that marginalized person who received, or did not receive, some sort of merciful or generous action. The good people ask him, When did we see you in any of these conditions and care for you? Likewise, the bad people ask him When did we see you like this and not care for you? Jesus replies that insofar as people have cared, or not, for the most insignificant person, they have cared, or not, for him.
This statement points to the transcendence that I want to talk about. Every small action that I take is inevitably in relation to someone else, and to all of humanity, even the whole earth and universe, and, yes, to God. Realizing this brings home a sense of responsibility, which is at first terrifying, but in reality is full of power.
Our hands are not tied. Period. We are free to act as the spirit moves us to give of ourselves to those around us who are in need, despite facing opposition in the form of perceived lack of time or energy, limited finances, ridicule, workplace discrimination, religious or political persecution. Again, I could go on at length. All it takes is one small decision. In that moment we see ourselves as simultaneously insignificant and of utmost significance. The whole world focuses to a single, clear point, and we know that we are in the presence of something bigger than we can possibly understand.
Climb across the fences, or tear them down. Don’t just sit on them.
Loren R. Carle wrote this during his first year of his licentiate in organ. This piece was first published in Radix in the December 2001 issue.
