Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Several years ago my wife came into the possession of her great-grandfather's bible. Recently seeing it on the shelf of our office, it caught my attention as I suddenly found myself curious of the translation type and the exact publication date. Although I've looked through this nearly 100-year-old bible before, this time I became drawn to all the personal notes and highlights that my wife's great-grandfather had made. On many of the worn, yellowed pages, his fine penmanship filled in the margins on all sides. I found numerous notes, quotations, personal prayers, and even a piece of handwritten music complete with scales and time signatures entitled "My Mother's Bible." I read much of it. From the handwritten inscription on the inside cover to a 5-part definition of what the word "catholic" meant, I saw an unbreakable link between his story and the story of his God. With generations between us, I felt a connection with him founded on a common love of the Lord. And without ever having met him, I felt like I knew him.
In one particular note, based on Psalm 23, my wife's great-grandfather writes:
1. I shall not want Rest, for "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
2. I shall not want Drink, for "He leadeth me beside the still waters."
3. I shall not want Pardon, for "He restoreth my soul."
4. I shall not want Guidance, for "He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake."
5. I shall not want Companionship, for even in the valley of the shadow of death, "Thou art with me."
6. I shall not want Comfort, for "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me."
7. I shall not want Food, for "Thou preparest a table before me in the very presence of mine enemies."
8. I shall not want Joy, for "Thou anointeth my head with oil, my cup runneth over."
9. I shall not want anything in this life, for "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."
10. I shall not want anything in Eternity, for "I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."
I was reminded of this note as I read Psalm 23 from today's Mass readings. Psalm 23 contains some of the more famous words in all of scripture, perhaps because it so succinctly describes the Christian experience, which is that despite various hardships, trials, or even death, we have no reason to fear because the Lord, our Shepherd, will be with us to guide us, restore us, give us courage, satisfy our needs, and save us. Therefore, all of our needs and desires are ultimately found in God alone. My wife's great-grandfather seemed to understand this. Reflecting on his prayerful note, I wondered what was going on in his life at the time that he had written it. But regardless of the circumstances, it's evident that he had once again allowed God's story to become part of his own. Therefore, in getting to know this man, I was also getting to know his God- His promises, His character, His faithfulness, His forgiveness, and His steadfast love.
In today's Gospel from John, Jesus tells the Pharisees, "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." As I read these words, one question came to mind: Would I be able to make this same statement? In other words, if someone knew me, would they also know God? Would they know His love? Would they know His justice and salvation, as portrayed in today's first reading from the book of Daniel? Do I allow God's story to become part of my own story?
Today, I plan to take a page from the book of my wife's great-grandfather- literally. I pray that I may want nothing but God and that God's story would become part of my own story- not just as single chapter or epilogue found in the final pages, but as the central theme contained in all of my narration, my dialogue, and my activity. In other words, may I think, talk, and act like Jesus. As the story of our salvation approaches its climax during Holy Week, may we reflect on our own story, consider our desires, and allow God to edit the pages still in need of revision. Amen.
Ryan J. Mahle