Marginal: My word for 2019

For the past few years, my friend Ruth has chosen “One Little Word” for each year, allowing it to inform her life as the year progresses. I’ve always admired this, and enjoyed how the word resurfaces in different ways throughout the year as she thinks and writes and lives.

I’ve never been able to settle on “One Little Word” for myself. But this year, I’ve noticed a word that keeps haunting me in my thoughts and my reading: “marginal.” I think this word has chosen me for this year.

I often feel marginal — invisible in the different communities accessible to me. I’m not sure why — whether it’s chosen, or conferred on me from without. Inhabiting the edges can be lonely, but it’s also safe in its way.

My study Bible often calls attention to how Jesus ministers to marginal people. Instead of seeking influence by infiltrating the ruling class, he shows a very high regard for those on the edges, pushed to the periphery in church or in society. I like that about Jesus. In many cases, the margins are where the ears are — the people who are ready to listen and act, who don’t have great social territory or possessions to defend. Granted, this can make someone greedy or dishonest, but the ones Jesus heals, calls, befriends, and honors have not reacted to their marginal status by becoming grasping or entitled or dishonest. They are not bitter, but open.

On December 31, I read a selection by Thomas Merton in this book of Advent/Christmas readings that brought together many strands on the topic of margins: the birth of Christ, aspects of our modern age, and the end times. Much of the essay is printed in various places online (for instance, here), but the selection in my book begins earlier, with reflection on Christmas. I may excerpt that opening passage in a future post. But for now, here is the gist of Merton’s essay:

Into this world . . . in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ has come uninvited. But because he cannot be at home in it – because he is out of place in it, and yet must be in it – his place is with those others who do not belong, who are rejected because they are regarded as weak; and with those who are discredited, who are denied the status of persons . . . With those for whom there is no room, Christ is present in this world.

Thomas Merton, “The Time of No Room”

My perception of marginal status is very tame, comparatively speaking. Terrible, unspeakable things can happen in the margins, things I cannot claim in any way to have experienced. But nevertheless, Merton’s essay points to the margins as having the unique importance of hosting God’s presence in the world. I look forward to owning my marginal status without an attitude of grievance, and opening my eyes to its blessings this year — and hopefully to developing more awareness of others who dwell on the edges with me.