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TODAY’S WORD…

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“You have the words of eternal life.”

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– John 6:68 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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“This is really the prophet.” (Jn 7:40)

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“Never has anyone spoken like this!” (Jn 7:46)

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Our Lord speaks very simply about the most profound things,

and He does so in an attractive and thought-provoking manner.

His words were understood as much by the doctor of the Law

as by the fishermen of Galilee.

That explains why the crowds sought Jesus out to listen to Him.

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Jesus’ way of speaking is pleasant and well suited to His hearers.

He often repeated the same doctrine,

but He sought to adapt comparisons to the people who happened to be listening to Him.

Through images and parables

He has taught us in the best possible way about the sovereignty of God the Creator,

and at the same time has shown us that He is a Father who cares lovingly for each one of His children.

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Nobody has proclaimed, as Jesus did, the fundamental truth of man

– our freedom and our supernatural dignity,

both of which come to us through the grace of his Divine filiation.

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Christ has the words of eternal life,

and He has given us all the task of passing His teaching on to all generations,

right to the end of time.

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Today too, people thirst for the words of Jesus,

the only words that can bring peace to the soul;

the only words that teach the way to heaven,

and all of us Christians have a share in this mission to make Christ known.

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Every Christian must give testimony to the good doctrine of the gospel message,

not only by example (which is essential),

but with words.

Jesus wants our words to echo His teachings in order to move hearts,

and He wants us to make use of every opportunity that presents itself.

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Do I truly seek to live

and do I also gladly share

Christ’s words of eternal life?

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, You have the words of eternal life.

Teach me, lead me, use me.

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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.