Day 16
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
A series of daily reflections for the people of faith at Patuxent Presbyterian Church,
California, Maryland, by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
WEEK THREE: MONDAY 30 MARCH 2020
“The Art of Memory in a Time of a Pandemic”
“This do in remembrance of me.” Jesus, Luke 22:19
Ars Memoriae, the art of memory, is a concept and practice that traces back to Aristotle before Christ. From the earliest church to the rise of monasticism to the Renaissance, the committing to memory of Scripture and theology – think the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, for example, has marked the Christian faith. The absence of books for much of its history and the absence of an ability to read for most Christians until recently made memory work essential for Christians.
The words of Jesus found in Luke 22:19, “This do in remembrance of me,” are inscribed on Communion tables in Protestant churches throughout the English-speaking world. We glance at them at best if at all, yet they are a powerful call to an ancient dynamic that goes back to the children of Israel and the annual celebration of the Passover Seder, when the question is asked, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The response is the entire Passover Seder celebration and when it is concluded everyone present has engaged in the art of memory, and the Exodus is remembered as though it happened just last year. The power of memory.
Memory – can you remember what your life was like before Christ came into your life? “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ,…without hope and without God.” Ephesians 2:11,12. Engaging in this kind of remembering fills us with gratitude for what He has done in our lives. Such a surveying of our lives can only serve us well. The art of memory.
During this time of a tragic pandemic, we are responding in certain ways that will form memories in our lives, as well as the lives of those around us. What will they remember about how we conducted ourselves – did we exhibit Christ? At our memorial service may they be able to say, “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing.” Proverbs 10:7 – the art of memory.
Reflective question: Write down as much as you can remember that God has done in your life.
Reflective scripture: Psalm 77:1 – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord,…”
Reflective hymn: According to Thy Gracious Word (James Montgomery, 1771-1854)
According to Thy gracious Word, in meek humility;
this will I do, my dying Lord, I will remember Thee.
Thy body broken for my sake, my bread from heaven shall be;
Thy testamental cup I take, and thus remember Thee.
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