Throughout Lent, Fr. Mike Schmitz’ homilies challenged us to reflect on our life stories. We each have a unique memoir which we are co-writing with God, and our combined chapters make up God’s Book of Life. The choices we make throughout our years change the trajectory of our own story, but also the epic of human history.

In the big picture, no story is independent or insignificant. Not mine, not yours, not the homeless man at the shelter, nor the mom struggling with an unexpected pregnancy… Every life impacts the whole.

In the small picture, we need to stay aware of the fact that our personal tale is evolving. Fr. Mike explained that all stories have a beginning, a middle, an end, and a title. I enjoyed how he described how each element pertains to us, but the one that is especially thought provoking is the title.

If you were challenged to title your autobiography today, the best you could do would be to choose words that are relevant now, not knowing how your story will end. For instance, when the Prodigal Son was departing from his father with the heavy money bag, he might have titled his story, “Free at Last!” Later, far away and hungry, feeding the pigs, he might have chosen, “Dejected.” Returning to his father’s open arms and enjoying a banquet in his honor, he might like the words: “Gratefully Home.” But we don’t know how his story ends; none of them might be appropriate.  

It is helpful to remember, during both the good times and the bad, that we cannot define our lives by what is going on today. Whether it is wonderful or catastrophic, this day will pass and the future will unfold a new collection of joys and sorrows. Staying focused on Christ gives us the stability to weather life to the end when Jesus will inscribe our title in his Book of Life.

Scripture: This week, read Psalm 56:9. What is it saying to you?

Call to Action: Consider titles you might have chosen in years past and reflect on if they would be relevant today.