BECOMING THE WORD

When we begin to place ourselves in the very structure and lines of the written word (scriptures) we become part of the revealed word. For instance, we become the Innkeepers of Bethlehem who have no room for Jesus, we become the priests who pass by the man in the ditch, we become Herod who wants to destroy even innocent competition, we are the murderous David that Nathan came to, we are the puppet governor Pilate who does not get involved, we are the Pharisees that have had their religion offended, we are the ones being driven out of the temple because of our money dealings. But we are also the woman caught in adultery who receives mercy, we are Simon of Cyrene commissioned to carry the cross for a while, we are the father who welcomes home a prodigal son, we are Nicodemus the religious teacher who is converted to love, we are Mary Magdalene kissing Jesus’ feet, anointing them with oil and drying them with her hair, we are Peter wanting to build a tent for everybody to enjoy, we are Thomas wanting to touch the holes in Jesus’ hands and sides, and we are Jesus who asked to have the cup pass by and understand all things out of compassion.

When this happens with the written word, meditation has had its purpose fulfilled, which is to enter fully into the framework and fabric of the living Word…Jesus. It is to place ourselves in his place in prayer. It is to think his thoughts. It is to prepare to do what he does. We cease being historical and become prophetic messengers of Good News.

Jesus, pull me into your world by allowing me to see that your world is my world.

“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Jesus