Never before
- Gary Fritsch
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
One of the most astonishing things in today's Gospel for me is this: the Temple guards went to arrest Jesus. They were supposed to bring Him back to the authorities. When asked why they failed in their duty, their answer was this: "Never before has anyone spoken like this man." Let that sink in for a moment.
Imagine yourself in this scenario. And imagine yourself being questioned: if you are a teacher, why didn't you teach? If you are a banker, why didn't you complete the transactions? Why didn't you sell the property; why didn't you collect the garbage, why didn't fix the cars, why didn't you wait on the customers...and on and on. And your answer is that you were just so taken by the words of this man that your duties no longer mattered.
This is only possible because Jesus is The WORD Incarnate. His words aren't just words. It was not the words it was how they were spoken. They were spoken with true authority and authenticity. 100% agreement between word and action. Never asked another to do what He was not willing to do. The words of the guards had to cut deep for the leaders of the time, because beneath them was this: 'This is not how you speak.'
It is easy for us to sit back and say: Wow that Jesus was amazing and leave it at that. But we are called to more than that. Through the sacraments, Jesus gives us His Spirit, and His Body and Blood, not just for our own salvation (as if that weren't enough), but so that we might become authentic representations of the Gospel, and of Jesus. You could easily and credibly say: this seems impossible for a mere mortal. It is. When you have His Spirit in your lungs and His Blood coursing through your veins you are NOT a mere mortal any longer. Mortals die. You will not.
How do we make our words and actions consistent? How do we become authentic representatives? First, we bring our words closer to His. Immerse yourself in scripture. Take part of the time you spent each day on reality TV or useless phone scrolling and dedicate it to His Word. This is not an overnight thing, but soon you will find that His Words come to mind in real life situations - just like you catch yourself uttering the words your parents said over and over, except that now you will be overjoyed to hear the words of the Lord passing your lips.
Second - endeavor to grow in virtue. Don't be afraid to fail. This is literally the way that Jesus came to save us. Be perfect as my Father in Heaven is perfect. Yes, this is impossible at the moment, but in eternity it is not. We have to eventually get there. Shoot for perfect, and when you fall short, share that experience with the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He will forgive, encourage and strengthen you.
Last - admit you are a sinner. When someone purports themselves as a pillar of virtue, everyone knows in their hearts (not necessarily in their minds) that this is a lie. We all fall short of the glory of God, and we will not be authentic if we pretend that somehow, we are different. BUT - in addition to admitting your sinfulness, you should also share that you rely on the forgiveness of the Savior. You don't sit in your sin and say Oh Well.
When we let Jesus well up in us in the way that He intends to, we become His continuing mission in the world, and the world can still react in a way that makes all of their other pursuits unimportant.
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