The Greatest Story Ever Told

“The Greatest Story Ever Told” is the title of a book I read several years ago. It is actually the story of JESUS CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD.

Yesterday I came across a book written by Brother Roger Louis Schutz-Marsauche of Taize entitled “GOD IS LOVE ALONE”. I was struck by what Brother Roger said when he was asked: “What is the most beautiful thing in your life?” His answer was: “When I am talking with someone alone, to perceive the whole human being, marked by a tragedy or by being torn apart within, and at the same time by the irreplaceable gifts through which the life of God in that person is able to bring everything to fulfillment.”

I have been pondering on this answer of Brother Roger and I realize that, indeed, every person in this world has his own story to tell. When we seriously listen to a person’s life story we cannot but perceive the life of God in him as he was showered with irreplaceable gifts. Hence, I believe that listening to a person’s story is actually listening to God Himself as manifested by His loving presence in every human being.

This loving presence of God in every human being is unique, in the sense that every human being has a unique story in his life here on earth. We may say that it begins at the time of his conception and ends at the time of his death. The Story of Jesus Christ on earth, however, while it started at the time of His conception in the womb of His Blessed Mother Mary has not ended with His death but continues till the end of time. He Himself has said: “I am with you always until the end of this world.” (Matt.28:20) This, I believe is what makes the Life of Christ the Greatest Story ever told.

We are fond of reading or viewing the life stories of people as told in books we call novels. We spend a lot of time engaged in this activity to the extent of sometimes foregoing other activities which may even be more important. Novels, however, are creations of one’s imagination though based on some life realities. On the other hand, the story of every person is a real mystery which reflects God’s love. Of all the stories that can be told, the Story of Jesus Christ stands as the Greatest Mystery of God’s love for men.

To my mind, while it is good to entertain ourselves with these so-called novels, we should also give more time to listening to the real life stories of our own fellowmen. Above all, I testify that to invest a significant portion of our time everyday to meditate on the Greatest Mystery of God’s love for us as manifested in the Greatest Story Every Told – the Story of JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, is a real great avenue of many blessings.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 29, 2009