Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Father Romeo Castro SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Wednesday 15th Week in Ordinary Time
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
Once, a number of orthodox rabbis gathered for a festivity, each boasting of his eminent rabbinical ancestors. One exception was Abram, the son of a simple baker, who possessed an insightful simplicity of heart.
At a certain point, each rabbi was asked to expound on a text from his distinguished ancestors. One after another delivered learned dissertations. Finally, Abram arose and said: “My father was a baker. He taught me that only fresh bread was appetizing and that I must avoid stale bread at all costs. This can also apply to teaching!” With that, he sat down.
This story certainly applies to the teaching ministry of Jesus. As He began to teach, the people recognized immediately that there was a freshness and transparency about His words: “The crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28–29).
Jesus’ words were never stale repetitions of tradition. They were living words, filled with Spirit and life: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Today, the Word continues to offer the freshness of life—but only to the childlike and humble of heart: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25).
Like Abram’s reminder about fresh bread, we are called to keep our faith alive, vibrant, and nourishing. The Word of God is not meant to be stale, but ever new, renewing us daily: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
The question remains: Are we listening with fresh hearts, ready to be nourished by the living Word?
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