Joyfully Subversive

CHRIST IN WINTER: Reflections on Faith For the Years of Winter…

I have a friend named Joe and a grandson named Joe. The friend is Joe Frazier—“Singin’ Joe,” the baritone, not “Smokin’ Joe,” the boxer, although I’m sure “Smokin’ Joe” would be a good friend, too.

The grandson is Joseph Patrick Kennedy, who is 12 years old today. Both Joes are “joyfully subversive,” a phrase someone applied to Joe Frazier when we were on a cruise in September with The Chad Mitchell Trio, the best folk group of the 1960s, in which Joe sings baritone. Joe is also the vicar/priest of St. Columba’s Episcopal Mission in Big Bear Lake, CA.

The following hymn I wrote in honor of their birthdays. Actually Joe Frazier’s birthday was Jan. 14, and that was the day I started writing this, so today, on grandson Joe’s birthday, I finished it.

I sing it to the tune of R. Kelso Carter’s “Standing on the Promises,” a hymn perhaps unknown to Episcopalians, since they are better known for “sitting on the premises.” [Old preacher joke. I can resist any temptation except a bad joke.] Since it is traditional to note the biblical foundations for hymns, I have done so, line by line.

Happy birthdays, you joyfully subversive Joes.

JOYFULLY SUBVERSIVE

Joyfully subversive as we laugh and sing [Judges 5:21.]
To the work of God divine our gifts we bring [John 9:4.]
Carried to the righteous fray upon God’s wing [Isaiah 40:31.]
Joyfully subverting as we go. [Romans 12:2.]

CHORUS
Joyful! Subversive!
Let us join our voices in God’s loving song [I John 4:8.]
Subversive! Joyful!
Standing firm against injustice we are strong [I Cors. 16:13.]

VERSE 2
Subverting hate and prejudice with love divine [Romans 8:38-39.]
Offering to each hopeful mouth the bread and wine [Luke 22:19.]
With god’s children everywhere we shall dine [Mark 2:16.]
Joyfully subverting as we go [Romans 12:2.]

CHORUS
Joyful! Subversive!
Let us join our voices in God’s loving song [I John 4:8.]
Subversive! Joyful!
Standing firm against injustice we are strong [I Cors. 16:13.]

VERSE 3
Joyfully subversive we stand with the poor [Matthew 25:31-46.]
And beat our fists against oppression’s heavy door [Galatians 3:1.]
We’ll sing and work until injustice is no more [Isaiah 11:6. Amos 5:24.]
Joyfully subverting as we go [Romans 12:1.]

CHORUS
Joyful! Subversive!
Let us join our voices in God’s loving song [I John 4:8.]
Subversive! Joyful!
Standing firm against injustice we are strong [I Cors. 16:13.]

VERSE 4
When they draw a circle tight to hide within [Galatians 3:23.]
When they say we can’t come in because we’re sin [Galatians 3:28-29.]
We shall draw a circle that will take them in [Acts 10:28.]
Joyfully subverting as we go [Romans 12:1.]

CHORUS
Joyful! Subversive!
Let us join our voices in God’s loving song [I John 4:8.]
Subversive! Joyful!
Standing firm against injustice we are strong [I Cors. 16:13.]

VERSE 5
When our days of marching here will be no more [Matthew 25:23.]
We’ll keep singing as we land on heaven’s shore. [Luke 6:20.]
While those we served and loved shall open up the door [Revelation 21:25.]
Joyfully subverting as we go. [Romans 12:1.]

CHORUS
Joyful! Subversive!
Let us join our voices in God’s loving song [I John 4:8.]
Subversive! Joyful!
Standing firm against injustice we are strong [I Cors. 16:13.]

JRMcF

{I also write the fictional “Periwinkle Chronicles” blog. One needs a rather strange sense of humor to enjoy it, but occasionally it is slightly funny. It is at http://periwinklechronicles.blogspot.com/}

(If you would prefer to receive either “Christ In Winter” or “Periwinkle Chronicles” via email, just let me know at jmcfarland1721@charter.net, and I’ll put you on the email list.)