Yesterday morning Minister-Lou told this story:
On June 15, 1815, Napoleon fought Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. Reports from the front lines were carried by sailing ship to the southern coast of England. From there it was relayed by signal flags to London.
When the report was received at Winchester cathedral, the flags spelt out: “Wellington defeated.” Then a heavy fog moved in.
When the mists lifted, they read the complete message: “Wellington defeated the enemy!”
All four words were necessary to tell the whole story.
Recently I’ve chatted to two students engaged in post-graduate studies and research. Both are exceedingly bright young people; one’s a physicist, the other an art-historian. I asked them about their studies and areas of expertise. I was keen to understand; my ignorance in both areas is significant!
They were both clear and patient in their explanations. However, I was quickly out of my depth. I could only understand part of their stories.
Katie was explaining to me her recent surgery. She described in detail where the surgeon had made the initial incision, the details of the procedure undertaken, what bits were removed, how this affected her bodily functions. ‘Would you like to see my scar…?’
I’d received enough information. The facts are interesting, I care for Katie, but I’m very happy only to know part of the story.
Over the past weekend I’ve reflected on the well-known Easter narrative: foot-washing… last supper… Gethsemane prayers… betrayal… arrest… denial… trial… torture… crucifixion… death… burial… empty tomb… resurrection… Jesus-appearances…
It’s a story I’ve heard, told and reflected on so many times. Each time I revisit it I realise I don’t know or understand the whole story.
St Paul, in his great chapter on ‘love’ describes partial knowledge – that’s like seeing a poor reflection in a mirror, concluding: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’
When I don’t know the whole story, I shall focus on retaining faith, hope and especially love.
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