Life-Giving Memory, March 18

Sometimes we identify the blessing of God through the rear view mirror. In other words, it is often as we look back, as we remember life's experiences that we trace the hand of God at work in our lives. This in no way negates the comforting presence of God at work in the present, nor does it imply that the revelation and calling of God upon our lives cannot be discerned in the present. At times, however, we are so consumed by the circumstances and events of the moment, the reactions of others, and the anxiety and uncertainty of the unknown, that we fail to see how God might be at work until we look back, somewhere down the road. In that manner, history informs and encourages our present and future. But we cannot live our lives always looking in the rear mirror. Faith calls us to step forward, trusting that God is still at work, still guiding, still calling us to follow Christ. To reflect upon God's written and living Word is to acknowledge a power and strength for today. As Nouwen writes, "The memory of Jesus Christ is much more than the bringing to mind of past redemptive events. It is a life-giving memory, a memory that sustains and nurtures us here and now and so gives us a real sense of being rooted amid the many crises of daily life." (p. 91) Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Remember and give thanks.

JKA