From the Rector's Desk

May 1, 2008

Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear;

Things I would ask Him to tell me If He were here;

Scenes by the wayside, Tales of the sea,

Stories of Jesus, Tell them to me.

-William Parker

If you are a cradle born Episcopalian you probably did not grow up with the words of  Parker’s hymn written on your heart. But if you didn’t, and if you are of a certain age, the words and even the tune may come straight back to you, the way they do to me from time to time. It probably comes as no surprise that I do love the stories of Jesus.  I love reading them, hearing them, telling them, pondering them, praying them, and thinking about them. In them I find food for my heart, mind and soul. I hope you do, too. They are the seedbed of our faith.  

I love how through the centuries we have treasured them, preserved them and lived into them by giving them life in liturgy, music, poetry, literature, and art.  Together they weave a blanket to enwrap our soul, that in times of trouble we might find hope and in times of carelessness, caution. Of course, for the stories to give us anything we have to know them and own them as the beacons of truth and light that they are. So, here’s the question. Do you know them — the stories of Jesus?

Try this. Right now, get out a scrap of paper and jot down all the ones you know. Maybe your list would begin: Jesus in the Manger, Jesus on the Cross, Jesus at the Last Supper and on and on and on. Now look at your list. Why these stories? Why are these the ones you remember? Get our your Bible and find the first story you wrote down. Read it again. Is it the way you remember it? What is different? Why was this story not only one that you remembered but one that the early church remembered and preserved for you? What does it have to teach you about Jesus? About yourself? About the relationship between?  Read it again and again. Let it become your friend and a light for your path. 

The summer is before us and before you contemplate which beach novel you will be curling up with for the long days ahead, may I recommend a classic. The stories of Jesus told by Matthew, Mark, Luke or John conveniently located in your nearest Holy Bible intended for the edification and nurture of your heart, your soul and your mind.  Happy pondering!