Life by God, et al.
”The story isn’t done yet,” has been my mantra during this Jubilee Year of Hope. There have been plenty of instances where I realize that X event happened in my life - even tragic moments decades ago - and later that very “it” was healed by another, unexpected wrinkle in my journey.
God, as co-author of my life, is collaborative, redeeming, and loving. Today’s readings remind me of how true this is about our God.
Collaborative. In the first reading, God relented God’s own wrath because of Moses’ intercession for mercy. As Richard Rohr writes, “Every time God forgives, God is breaking God’s own rules, saying relationship with you matters more than God being right.” I imagine all those who also love and support me being part of the intercession for God’s mercy in my life. My paternal grandmother - always my biggest fan - has to be one of them. God listens to those who beg on our behalf. How powerful to know! (And to know we can also do the same for others.)
Redeeming. When I am hurt by life, I wonder: where is/was God through it all? During my most heartbroken days, all I could tell God was, “I hurt.” Without a “solution” in the moment, I received a simple, “I know.” Although the accompaniment was confirmed, the pain remained that even years of therapy could not heal. Recently, for example, a deep-seated wound that I thought had “healed” resurfaced and was instantly erased by a “coincidence.” But this couldn’t be coincidence; it was too precise of a detail in my life that allowed me to finally (FINALLY!) let go and be healed.
Loving. Now, more than ever before, I trust God loves me immensely. Now, I’m convinced of it. How could I not be, with all the demonstrations of how God bends over backwards to show me? Finally, I accept it. Finally, I heal. Finally, I can say (even in the dark moments), “I trust in you.”
God, heal me enough to be able to receive the gift of your love. And in the spaces where I still do not trust you, show your faithfulness to me. Remind me: the story isn’t done yet. May we continue to co-author this story of my life. Amen.
Vivian Valencia