Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Carlos Jimenez SVD – SVD Retreat House, Baguio City
Thursday After Epiphany
A young lady got on the bus I was riding and, standing in front, started to preach the Bible. It was the usual spiel on salvation that can only be had through and belief in Jesus and she actually did a good job except when it was time to collect the envelopes for the “donation.” Most just passed it without putting anything in it. Obviously, most couldn’t care less about her ministry.
Many preach using only their minds, like memorized speeches which do little to convince much less to convert. Something new, personal, and relevant must be injected in order to truly communicate. We must touch the listener’s thoughts, and feelings, and even relate to dreams. Mere memory fails to excite thus to communicate.
Michael Hammer, as quoted in the book The World is Flat, said: “When memories exceed dreams, the end is near. The hallmark of a truly successful organization is the willingness to abandon what made it successful and start fresh.”
Jesus immediately captured the imagination of his listeners. He appealed not only to their minds but also their hearts. He quoted Isaiah and injected the freshness of honesty and justice into its text making it his own.
Something new and exciting is happening and Jesus’s very presence is a testament to this reality. He seems to address each one personally and forcefully. His may be painful to hear at times but it is always the truth. Jesus is truly the Savior.
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