for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

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– Mark 1:22 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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Jesus’ life was one of unceasing teaching.

He spoke in the Synagogues, by the lakeside, in the Temple,

along the roads, in houses and everywhere.

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His doctrine has been handed down faithfully and substantially complete through the Gospels

– enough to know the essentials just as they happened,

just as the Master taught.

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He is our only Teacher.

We feel safe with Him.

He always tells each one what he or she needs to hear.

When we read the Gospel for a few minutes each day,

with a faithful heart,

meditating it slowly,

we feel urged to say with St. Peter:

“Lord, You alone have the words of eternal life.” [Jn 6:68]

Only You, Lord.

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Only those who voluntarily close their ears

will be deprived of His word.

Everyone can understand it.

The most sublime doctrine becomes accessible to the most simple souls.

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Jesus is the teacher of all. our Teacher.

He knows what is in each person.

He is not deceived by our miseries and weaknesses.

He knows very well what an abyss of evil there can be in every heart.

But He also knows, better than we do,

the possibilities of generosity, of sacrifice, of greatness which also exist in every heart,

and He can arouse them with His word.

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The teaching of Christ affects the whole person to the core.

To take Jesus as our Teacher is to take Him as our Guide,

to follow in His footsteps,

to seek eagerly His Will for us.

It means never being discouraged by our defeats;

He will raise us up and turn them into victories time and time again.

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To take Jesus as our Teacher

is to want to become more like Him,

so that when others see our work,

our behaviour at home, with strangers and especially with those in need,

they can recognise Jesus.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord Jesus, You alone have the words of eternal life. Only You, Lord.

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… … … … … … … … … … … …

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Note: The main source of today’s REFLECTION is the seven-volume work

“In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.