Throughout our lives, we hear many words—most we forget, but some remain with us. Jesus tells us that his words will never pass away. His words stay with us to this day. Millions of people gather daily to read, listen to, and study Jesus' words.
At the beginning of Mark’s Gospel (1:22), we read that Jesus' preaching and words
made a “deep impression” on his listeners. Teaching/preaching was one of the main components of Jesus’ ministry. Crowds, we often read in the Gospel, gathered to listen to him, and they followed him because of the power of the word he spoke.
Do you remember the incident when the Pharisees sent the temple police to arrest Jesus, and when they got there, they began listening to him; they didn’t arrest him? They returned to the
Pharisees without him, and the reason they gave for not arresting him was that “no one has ever spoken like that” (John 7:46). This statement comes from people who were not favourably disposed to him! Jesus' words have power.
The words of Jesus, written down for us long after his Ascension, have a living power. They still move hearts and minds today by comforting, guiding, challenging, healing, and turning our thinking upside
down.
Take a few moments today to consider the place of the Scriptures in your life. What impact do the words of Jesus have on you? What do you find most consoling? Why? What words of Jesus do you find challenging and uncomfortable? Why? Spend some time today thanking Jesus for his words.
Reflections by Russell Pollitt SJ
