June 1980
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)
"Open wide the doors to Christ. Let Christ speak to humanity. He alone has words of life—yes, of Eternal Life."
(John Paul II)
"A Word That Touches the Heart"
In the language of Saint John, it is Jesus—the Word of God made flesh—who is the "Word of God." And the Church, in turn, speaks this word to every generation, faithful to the message she has received to teach all nations.
This message takes many forms: the word or homily of the pastor spoken to God's people; the prophetic word of those who, through their lives, bear witness to the Gospel; the word of parents today, of catechists who pass on, generation after generation, the faith they have received; words of hope from those who encounter the poor and the suffering—all these human words echo the Word of God.
If the Church were ever to fall silent, it would only be by force: even the Church of "silence" knows how to find its way to hearts. This is why, in a world of noise and tumult, she rightly calls us back to silence, so that under the action of the Holy Spirit each of us might hear in our hearts the still, small voice of the mysterious Word.
We listen to the Word of God most often within the Church as a gathered community; yet this is an invitation to read this word again at home, alone and with our families. Small communities, too, are a privileged space for sharing and exchange. Since God's word is given to us by grace, it is a spiritual treasure meant to be shared.
Abbé M. Havard (Chantiers du Cardinal no. 66)
Suggestions
- The community might choose a passage from the Gospel that will nourish our spiritual life throughout the month.
- Each person could share a Gospel verse that speaks to them in a particular way, or an attitude of Jesus that has moved them most deeply. What words, gestures, and songs will ensure that no one is left out of this encounter with the Word?