Sharing Our Stories

Today’s Readings

Friday. AM Psalm 16, 17 PM Psalm 22  Jer. 38:14-28;  1 Cor. 15:1-11;Matt. 11:7-15

Today’s Reflection

Ours is a tradition built on stories. In fact, all traditions are built on stories. In today's readings we hear the story of an ongoing conversation between the prophet Jeremiah and King Zedechiah. One of the ways to interpret that story is for the Israelite people to remember that things did not go well for the king when he didn't listen to the prophet about following God's way. So listen to your prophets; follow God's way. We also hear St. Paul's often told faith story of how Jesus died for us, was raised from the dead. Paul was passionate about telling the story so more people would believe.

Think of the stories your family tells when you are a gathered for a celebration. If your family is like mine, we spend time reminiscing and laughing about some of the same old tales--like the Christmas Eve when my, then elementary school, brothers thought my father was Santa Claus. My brothers were sneaking down the step to glimpse Christmas gifts, and my father was sitting on the couch, feeding my baby brother a bottle. All my brothers could only see were dad's red pajama pants and they were convinced Santa was resting our our couch.

Yes, some stories are funny; some stories are painful. Many stories we tell help us make meaning of our lives. The way we tell our stories has a great impact on how we experience life. And of course, no story is complete without a storykeeper--someone to listen to our stories.

This Sunday during the Adult Forum (10:15 am in the Parish Hall) I am thrilled to be collaborating with my dear friend and in many ways, mentor, Elizabeth Vanderkamp will begin our interactive three-part series "Discovering Our Stories in Sacred Story." Elizabeth is an extraordinary storyteller and storekeeper. I hope you will join us as we wonder together about how to tell and share our stories, and explore some of our favorite Bible stories.

Yours in Christ,

Mary Bea+