Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
The guards who were sent to arrest Jesus, but didn’t, said in their defense, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”
Like those guards, we should also be captivated by the words of Jesus. His parables should touch us to the core, make us think, and change our lives. His called to the apostles, and they followed him. He spoke words of power to Lazarus, “Come out,” and he was lifted up from the dead. He said to the sea, “Be still,” and the sea was calm. The centurion, whose servant lay sick, said to Jesus, “Only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus spoke, and the servant was healed. Jesus spoke over bread and wine, and they were transformed into his Body and his Blood. He spoke from the cross, “Father, forgive them.” And we have been renewed in God’s mercy. “Many more began to believe in him because of his word” (John 4:41).
Is it any wonder that the guards said, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man?” He is the Word made flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
In fact, we stand with Peter, who looked at Jesus and said to him, “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:59).
As we read through Sacred Scripture, we can be sure that Jesus is talking to us. Our hearts must be open to hearing what he wants to say to us. Lent gives us the opportunity to listen more closely to the words of Jesus – who speaks to us, like no one ever before, because he speaks to us as the Word of God. And his words give life to us, they change us into a new creation.