Telling Stories

On the eve of Passover the youngest in the family asks the eldest male, why this night is so important. So the celebration of Passover begins with the story of God and the Hebrew people, and the hope of the Promised Land. While this is part of the ritual the retelling of the story over and over again allows it to become our story. More so each time we hear the story we are in a different place in our own personal journey, so there can be new insights and understanding from hearing the same story over and over again.

I was thinking about this during a funeral mass yesterday. As I prayed the Eucharistic Prayer it was apparent to me that some there had heard this prayer on a weekly basis, others perhaps four or five times in a year, while some have never heard this prayer. This text which is so important for us catholics tells the story of our own relationship with God, and asks that through the celebration of the Paschal Mystery we might have communion with God. It could be that we who hear this on a regular basis might have an inspiring moment, and others might be moved to a greater understanding of faith and faithfulness.

Last night our Deanery gathered at our parish for our Epiphany dinner. I am one of the 'elders' now who can tell stories all the way back to Bishop Lane. While we spend time talking about pending moves, sickness, and money problems, we also revisit the seminary that almost was, pastors who have the status of being a 'character' and what the transition time was like just after Vatican II. For us 'oldsters' there might be new reflections. For the youngins there is understanding or even revelation.

It is so important to tell the stories of faith and family. The community is lively when our tradition is mulled over and passed on. It is a real living history when names, places, and times are given a sense of purpose and meaning. Our little "s" story has a place in the large "S" story of us all.