Forever and Ever

A Reflection on the Psalm for April 24th, 2022:
Divine Mercy Sunday

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Psalm 118

R. Alleluia!

Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 

R. Alleluia!

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

R. Alleluia!

Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. 

R. Alleluia!
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When I was a young child, I enjoyed watching and re-watching “Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin”. In this 90’s animated Disney film, Winnie the Pooh and his friends go on a wild journey, all because of a misunderstanding that originates with a resistance to change.

Christopher Robin is about to start his first day of school, a big transition, and he wants to help prepare Pooh for the time they will necessarily have to spend apart. As Christopher Robin attempts to share the news, Pooh asks if the news is “something nice”, and he answers, “not exactly”. In response, Pooh Bear says, “then, it can wait!” and convinces Christopher Robin to postpone. When asked, “for how long?” Pooh replies, “Forever and ever”. The two friends then begin an endearing little song, in which Pooh expresses his heart’s desire for their relationship to stay the same, indefinitely, while Christopher Robin tries to simultaneously affirm Pooh and prepare him for the inevitable change. The boy says, “forever and ever is a very long time, Pooh”, expressing that he wishes he could promise “forever” but that “no matter where” he goes they will “always be together”. 

This exchange struck a chord with me, possibly because this movie was released when I was 5 years old and entering grade primary. Throughout my childhood I experienced similar desires for life circumstances to remain steady and familiar, and I struggled with the normal changes that come with growing up and the ebbs and flows of family and friend relationships. Now, as I approach my 30’s, I am amazed at how transitory everything is in this life. Yet, I’ve learned that this ache and longing for intimate relationships that last “forever” is something that God has written in all our hearts to help lead us to Himself.

As the psalmist declares, God’s “steadfast love endures forever”. His Love is constant, unchanging, perfect and life-giving. When we experience reflections of it, whether through close friendships, parent-child relationships, romance, or in other forms, it is natural to want to protect and preserve the good we find in them. However, it is most healthy and well-ordered when we see one another, not as idols, but as icons — signposts and guides on our journey that point us towards the ultimate relationship with God. As the Church, in community, we embark on a grand adventure with and towards Christ, who welcomes us into the love of the Trinity for all of eternity. My mind cannot conceive how long “forever and ever” is, or how beautiful and joyful it will be to simply be in His presence; however, I trust that this wonderful reunion will be, for all of us, filled with songs of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness and His enduring love.



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Kendra L.

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