Forgetfulness

Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought.

Whether it’s forgotten birthdays, straying pens, or faces we can’t place, it’s annoying to lose track of the little things. Forgetfulness becomes downright tragic, though, if we lose sight of the big picture—what life is all about.   This is why today’s psalm urges us to remember and praise God for his wondrous deeds.

This is perfect encouragement as we prepare to celebrate the most wonderful deeds ever after Holy Week.   So how can we fight forgetfulness and take on the kind of remembering that leads to gratitude, joy, and transformation?   By taking God’s wondrous deeds personally.

Handing down their stories from one generation to the next, the people of Israel have been recounting how God made them a people for thousands of years.   Especially in recounting the pivotal story of their deliverance from slavery, the retelling took the form of a “You Are There” Passover meal.   Observing biblical and traditional customs, they recall their liberation in a way that makes it personal and present: “This is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt”.

In Christ, we can say the same.   Israel’s wondrous deeds have become part of our history as well, and they are fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection.   As Catholics, we believe that every Eucharist recalls these saving acts and makes them present to us.   We are there in the upper room with Jesus!

This past Holy Week and Easter, take the story personally.   Place yourself at the Last Supper.   In your imagination, observe the Passover meal; Jesus provided a way for you to remember and receive him.   He did this for me.   Watch with Jesus in the garden, where he suffers so intensely as he awaits his betrayer.   He did this for me.   See him dragged before the high priest, Herod, Pilate, the jeering crowd. He did this for me.   Walk to Calvary, stand at the cross, mourn with Mary.

Recall and relive these wondrous deeds that God has wrought.   Let this one truth sink into your heart: he did this for me.   This is how much he loves me.

word among us