While Standing (Six Feet Apart) on One Foot
March 25, 2020
In Theology class today, the discussion based on the book “The Tragedy Test” (which you are welcome to join us for if you need some intellectual stimulation and break from all this virus news) we somehow migrated to the famous saying by Hillel. You know it wiell, I bet:
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
If not now when?
Let’s take a look at this phrase which has been turned into songs and sermons.
First thing to notice is that it is in the form of three questions. But Hillel did not answer the questions he himself posed! The answer is dangling before us. If I were to read into this puzzling idea, it seems to me that Hillel is saying that maybe there are no answers to the questions. There are times when we are only for ourselves. There are times when we are there for others.
But what does the last question mean? If not now, when? When what? We had a thought in class and I want to share it with you. The ‘when’ means that every moment, especially in the moments of crisis, this question begs us to ponder the previous two question. The when asks us if we are thinking only of ourselves or only of others.
In the current crisis there are those who are answering the question fully one way or the other. There are those who are hoarding everything from Purell to toilet paper (I never thought Hillel’s utterances would apply to toilet paper!!) and are wondering how to make money off of other people’s misery. Of course, you know of the allegations that some people have been accused of insider trading: selling stocks that they knew would be especially hard-hit and buying stocks that would benefit from this viral outbreak. They have answered the question for themselves: they are only for ‘me’
Then there are people who are only for others. They have answered this question with their souls and their bodies. They have given up so much that, however this crisis ends, so many of us will never kvetch about waiting too long in doctor’s office ever again! (Well, maybe!) God bless the doctors and nurses and hospital workers who have given so much of their energies to healing and bringing life to others. They deserve the Medal of Freedom….every single one of them. The question I am asking based on Hillel’s statement is simply this: are we giving them enough honor, thanks, and encouragement in these difficult times? Like you, I pray that they stay healthy for they have responded to Hillel by saying, ‘Hineyni – here I am.’ It is almost as if they are echoing the words of Isaiah about whom it is written: “Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Those who have said ‘send me’ are the real heroes of this story that has yet to be fully written. They have answer ‘if not now, when’ with a full-throated ‘now is when.’ And so, this is a call to action.
Drop your doctor a note. Post a note of thanks on your Twitter account or your Facebook page. Call an elderly friend. Check on a neighbor. Be counted among those who have thought outside themselves and whose spiritual presence – not physical presence – brings solace, encouragement and a full expression of true love to those who need it. Utter your thanks to those who labor.
Hillel asked, ‘If not now, when?’ ‘When’ is now. Think about it now. Constantly ask yourselves if you are only for yourselves. And then pick up the phone or get on your email. Real people with real lives and fears need your outreach. Now.
