Hearing the Story Again—for the First Time

One thing that I love about working with the Rite of Christian  Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is how new the Gospel is for those who have never heard it before. A few years ago on Palm Sunday, we headed downstairs from the sanctuary to break open the Word. We  were not even to the basement door, when Roy, a man in his fifties,  touched my arm and said, with tears in his eyes, “I never heard that  story before!” The day before I wrote this, because it was a snow day from RCIA, one of our catechumens and her eleven-year-old son read Luke’s account of the death and resurrection by candlelight at home for their homework. The mom texted me afterward. “What an amazing story!” she said. 

For a heart of innocence, what could be so breathtaking about the death of Jesus? When I read it afresh, what flabbergasts me is what also impressed St. Paul—the degree of self-emptying, self-giving,  self-sacrifice that Jesus was willing to undergo in obedience and for our sakes. Where did he get the strength to do that? “I gave my  back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my  beard.” Isaiah says, “The Lord God is my help . . . He who declares  my innocence is near.” Our God is Deliverer. God lifts us up. God is faithful. God is for us.

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For someone who has never heard this story, to have the Lord of the universe care, to take our side, to be willing to die to lift us up from the muck of life—that is not something to be taken lightly.  For those who are used to feeling adrift and alone, this is fresh and life-giving! After being baptized at the Easter Vigil, Roy broke into a smile and his whole body radiated happiness. New life! Not just a theological idea, but a gift from the One who cares. 

Consider/Discuss 

• How often might we listen to scriptures and think, “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that time and time again”? How could we get back to a heart of innocence about the story of Jesus? In this time before Easter, read through one whole  Gospel narrative about the Passion and Resurrection. Try to read it as though you had never heard it before. What resonates within you? 
• Many of us already live self-sacrificing and self-emptying lives, and those  around us are grateful. Where do we get the strength to see each day  through? When we are weary, even beaten, Who and what sustains us? If  you know someone who lives a self-sacrificing and self-emptying life, thank  him/her this week. 

Living and Praying with the Word 

Lord, as we enter into this most sacred of weeks, give us new  eyes to see the beauty of what you have done for us. Bless those  who minister—the preachers and lectors, the musicians and artists,  and all who serve liturgically. Help us to create liturgies that move  and inspire our people and show forth your presence. Please bring  back those who are far from faith and enlighten those who do not  yet know you. Thank you, most of all, for giving yourself to us so  completely.