2. Jesus and his word: the captivating wisdom

STAGE 4: Towards the Likeness of Jesus Christ

JESUS AND HIS WORD

THE CAPTIVATING WISDOM

Introductory Prayer: Prayer to Jesus (Just click or tap)

CALL

Aim: To encounter, know and love Jesus in his Word.

Readings

The coastlands wait for his teaching (Isa 42:1-4): Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

All were amazed at his gracious words (Lk 4:16-22a): When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”. And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”. All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

Comment

In LEW 122, Montfort gives us a beautiful reflection on the gentleness of Jesus in his words. He writes: “Jesus is gentle in his words. When he dwelt on earth he won everyone over by his gentle speech. Never was he heard to raise his voice or argue heatedly. The prophets foretold this of him (Isa 42:2). Those who listened to him with good intentions were charmed by the words of life which fell from his lips and they exclaimed, ‘No man has ever spoken as this man’ (Jn 7:46)”.

“Even those who hated him were so surprised at his eloquence and wisdom that they asked one another, ‘Where did he get such wisdom?’ (Mt 13:54). No man has ever spoken with such meekness and unction. ‘Where did he acquire such wisdom in his speech?’ they asked. Multitudes of poor people left their homes and families and went even as far as the desert to hear him, going several days without food or drink, for his gentle words were food enough for them”.

“The apostles were led to follow him by his kindly manner of speaking. His words healed the incurable and comforted the afflicted. He spoke only one word – ‘Mary’ – to the grief-stricken Mary Magdalene and she was overwhelmed with joy and happiness”.

Personal Reflection and Sharing

In general, how do I describe the effect of Jesus’ words in my life?

How has his teaching framed or reframed my mind? How has it influenced my behaviour and my life decisions?

[4-2] CALL RESPONSE COMMITMENT PRAYER