It's snowing here in New York...

I've been riding my bike across town. That's my bike, the red one.

Everyman, my normal coffee spot, is closed. I came back east, past Mary Help of Christians church on 12th Street, which the Archdiocese has slotted to close - they're apparently open now only for Sunday mass.

Last night, I met the parents' group at Brooklyn Friends School, where our 17 year old Morgan still goes, from where Ripton graduated. A spoke about What Else But Home, read a short section, and one woman asked what I've learned.

I've learned a great deal. I remembered Emanual Levinas, the French philosopher, speaking about Cain and Abel. Cain kills and buries Abel. God asks Cain where his brother might be. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain asks God.

Most interpretations castigate Cain for mocking God in his answer. Levinas says no. Cain isn't mocking God. Cain is asking a question of ontology, of existence, devoid of ethics. Am I responsible for my brothers and sisters, for my fellows?

Yes, Levinas answers. We are each responsible for each other, "and I more than anyone else."

This asymmetry is captivating to me. It is poetry. It is beautiful and impossible and a brave way to live.

Michael is kneeling in the snow. Often opening his arms to the sky, "Hail Mary full of grace...."

The church is closed...

Michael asked me to join him.

I told him I couldn't. I told him I'm not Catholic. I didn't describe my bad knees. I left. A little while later I went back and knelt beside him. Joined with him. I watched the snow fall. I listen to Michael pray. I wanted to honor his invitation. To care more about the sanctity we share than the differences we define.

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