Struck by the Word
TRUE STORY: Driving down the freeway this past Saturday returning home from Mass nothing seemed out of the ordinary. After arriving home I looked outside and noticed something stuck to the front grill of my car. It was white and splayed open at odd angles, resembling a disheveled bird. Looking closer I realized it was pages of a book, looking even closer, I realized it was pages from THE BOOK—The Holy Bible. Each sheet felt starched, strong and sturdy, lettering still perfectly clear, in spite of its harrowing journey. Even after being dislodged it kept its sculptural shape and sat upright on my table as if it would speak for itself.
I don't know about you, but I felt that God, in His own peculiar and funny way, was trying to communicate something to me. Me-- who loves the Bible more than just about anything, having dedicated my life to reading, studying, loving and sharing it with anyone willing to give me a second glance-- gets struck by a portion of it on a freeway.
After a bit of thumbing through to find the start I began to read what had so strangely and miraculously come into my possession. As I read it I began to cry.
Ranking as one of my favorite teaching is the significance of the "eighth day". (Please read here to find out more details.) The eight day represents NEWNESS in Christ! Christ makes ALL THINGS NEW. He REDEEMS ALL. Nothing is beyond the grasp of His redemption, His love, His grace and His mercy. Christ rose from the dead on the "EIGHTH day", that is why we celebrate on Sunday, which is not only the first day of the week…but is the completion of all things and the beginning of all things NEW, thus now, Sunday is not only the first but also the "eighth day".
The very first line of the reading that was stuck to my grill was concerning how a woman could be restored to purity and wholeness on the EIGHTH Day. She was to take an offering to the priest and have him sacrifice it for her. She would then be cleansed from the past and restored to wholeness.
Praises be to God! Our sweet Jesus is not only our High Priest but is also the Sacrifice Who atones for all the wrong ever committed by or to anyone. He died for all sin—yours, mine and everyone's—from Adam and Eve's on down.
I have come through a very difficult summer. I have been dealing with much from my past that my sister's death brought to the surface. I felt the Lord was saying to me: "I have got this! I HAVE REDEEMED ALL! There is NOTHING BEYOND THE SCOPE OF MY HEALING, RESTORING OR REDEEMING POWER! Look! I even send you my beloved Word —stuck to the front of your car—to tell you this. I make ALL THINGS NEW!"
So if you need a Good word—hear this! Nothing is beyond the loving gaze, scope or power of redemption of our loving Lord. Nothing! God has got you! And He will keep you- now and forever more.
Inspired by this, I feel a renewed spirit of longing to share with you what God so graciously shares with me through His word, the teachings and traditions of the Church and daily living—follow me on Instagram IGTV at: melissaovermyer or on Facebook for daily inspiration- and if you like it—please share it with others. God bless you. And I hope to see you NEXT THURSDAY at the FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION PROCESSION THROUGH GEORGETOWN followed by a RECEPTION.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:4-5.
Dear Lord,
Praises be to You that NOTHING is beyond Your healing redemption. You make ALL THINGS NEW—including me. I pray today for the grace to see things with new eyes, Your eyes. Give me all I need each day, to move forward so that each and every day—is an EIGHTH DAY—A NEW DAY in You.
I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
