THE WORD
Is 54,1-10 / Lk 7,24-30
When John’s messengers had gone Jesus began to talk to the people about John. ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh no, those who go in for fine clothes and live luxuriously are to be found at court! Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: See, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare the way before you. I tell you, of all the children born of women, there is no greater that John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is. All the people who heard him, and the tax collectors too, acknowledged God’s plan by accepting baptism from John; but by refusing baptism from him the Pharisees and the lawyers had thwarted what God had in mind for them.
IN OTHER WORDS
April 11, 2009. Britain’s Got Talent. Susan Boyle. I was watching her video on You Tube for the nth time just now. Most of us would remember her touching story. On the day of her audition, she spoke of her dream to be a professional singer, like Elaine Paige. Everyone started laughing. Where was this coming from? She didn’t have the “professional singer” look. But when she started singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, those who initially laughed at her began applauding and cheering - not only because she was sang really well, but that she had a message to tell from the heart that pierced the hearts of all.
How often do we judge others by how they appear? Have we been cynical about some people?
Have we even paid attention to the message being revealed to us, or have we simply ignored it because the one who stands before us is not a pleasant sight? But a moment comes when we have “the biggest wake up call.” Since we are confined to our own image of what a prophet is like, we fail to grasp the deeper meaning of what is revealed by present-day prophets. However, once we have given time and eff ort to listen, we are amazed, inspired and moved. Susan Boyle ended up winning second place but her story remains and continues to inspire people. In fact, we may already have heard similar stories in our daily life. Let us not be deaf to their message. Let us open our eyes to the goodness of people around us and not be misled by our prejudice, especially brought about by our judgment of their physical appearance. Let us listen carefully to the message of the Lord!
- Fr. Dindo Santiago, SVD | Japan Province
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
