Reflections on the Life of the Late Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes - Part Two

Reflections on the Life of the 

Late Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes – Part Two

Being able to avoid the trauma and treachery of questioning the purpose and worth of oneself is particularly liberating.  Evidently, Reverend Gomes through the unconditional and priceless love of his beloved parents always possessed this existential freedom.  As a result, he unconditionally accepted himself.  He need not perfect affectations of the WASP New England milieu in which he was reared.  Whatever his mannerisms, they were authentically his, Peter's, and not those of a Black American male who uncritically imitates his friends and neighbors.  With such clear self understanding, one is able to be true to oneself without fearing any reprisals from anyone.  Egotistically, one could approach the world with a certain cocky attitude and disposition.  "Here I am.  Accept me as I am or forget you." Actually, one might add an expletive to that declaration. Nevertheless, one could as Reverend Gomes did approach the world with genuineness thereby forsaking the silliness of explaining, justifying or defending oneself.  Quite simply, self-acceptance and self-love exonerate one from the need to appease the whims, wishes and expectations of others in hopes they may like you.  As a consequence, one enjoys daily freedom in offering humankind the divine’s unique and particular expression of Himself through the gift of one’s love, gifts and abilities.  What an incredibly free existence!

Professor Gomes' answer revealed his intrinsic authenticity.  He accepted himself and offered his true self to the world without the need to compromise himself in any way.  I imagine his audacious approach attracted as many people as it repelled.  People who appreciated his unapologetic personality usually found a friend whom they grew to love.  Others undoubtedly gained a colleague whom they respected.  Anyone who failed to understand his inimitable character would not appreciate their loss.  Although I never saw nor spoke with him again, I left our discussion with tremendous respect and even admiration for him.  

Our time with Reverend Gomes retrospectively became a divine assignment for me.  He forever taught me about the necessity of unconditional self-acceptance.  Often, I cite this encounter as I minister within a local parish.  Particularly, I share this existential wisdom with high school students and young adults.  Many "Generation Xers" and "Millennials" question their self-worth as society's litmus test for success and happiness rarely involve spirituality, religion or moral and ethical principles.  Contemporary youth have a very difficult challenge in answering questions about passion, purpose and core beliefs.  I suspect their dilemma emerge naturally from their intrapersonal confusion about whether they possess intrinsic wealth as human beings.  The life and legacy of Reverend Professor Gomes instruct us to resolve this significant question by irrevocably asserting one’s inherent self-worth.

Gay, Republican, Baptist, a Harvard faculty member, and New England born and reared.  Is it possible for these contradictory characteristics to coexist rationally within the same personality?  Anyone who answers negatively did not know Reverend Gomes.  In his own words which partially offer an epitaph, "Yes, I relish the fact that I personify such a wonderful bunch of contradictions." As our colloquium progressed, he shared how he reconciled these outwardly disparate ideological, political and social strands into an intellectually cohesive and respectable core.  Reverend Gomes' dilemma reminded me of W. E. B. DuBois immortal and compelling description of the "double consciousness" with which Black people in America live.  Are African-Americans "Whites" who happen to live in Black skin?  Asked another way, do Black people simply imitate the mannerisms and mores of the dominant Anglo-American culture?  Also, how are African-Americans able to craft a distinct culture that is not unduly influenced by the predominate culture?  On an intrapersonal level, Reverend Gomes demonstrated for African-Americans, specifically, and all people, generally, the necessity of achieving inner healing and wholeness notwithstanding the complexities of race, class, culture, and sexual preference.  

A noteworthy part of my ministry is an emphasis upon inner healing and wholeness.  I believe the gospel of Jesus Christ empowers individuals to accept their divine inheritance which Psalm 139 affirms and actualize their God given talents and natural abilities.  Understandably, questioning one's fundamental core prevents one from living a successful, joyous and fulfilling life.  Reverend Gomes’ powerful, personal example helps me in encouraging and empowering the people whom I serve.  His life and legacy, beyond the obvious and impressive professional accomplishments as the Pusey Minister at Harvard University Memorial Church and the Plummer Professor of Christian Morality, will be partially his enduring contribution to strengthening countless people in their very personal, private and purposeful quest to live the lives  they imagine in accordance with Almighty God’s will for their lives.  Peter J. Gomes' life again instructs us about the importance of good, faithful and effective parenting. Teaching children their intrinsic worth directly assists them in avoiding any possible numbers of personal pathologies and professional failures.  More significantly, self-confident persons usually stand a greater chance of succeeding and excelling at their dreams, goals and passion.