A Few Words On "The Word"

November 25, 2007
The Solemnity of Christ the King, Year C
Luke 23:35-43

Our Theory: Jesus is the Christ!

Despite being tougher subjects, chemistry, biology, and physics can be pretty fascinating. The information you’re required to remember might seem endless and the notes can be overwhelming but usually there’s a payoff – the lab. The lab is where you actually get to see all the things you’ve talked about in class come alive. The experiments, dissections, and projects help to make science class exciting.

Of course going to the lab isn’t just for fun. There’s a reason our teachers want us to perform experiments and test theories. They want us to realize that what they’ve been teaching in the classroom is actually true. The lab provides proof and a sense of reality to the statements we’ve heard. We’re able to truly understand what our textbooks are telling us.

For people during Jesus’ time words weren’t always quite enough either. They wanted proof. Jesus was called the Christ, the Son of God, and the Messiah. The people wanted Jesus to do something magnificent that would make it very easy to believe. Even as he was hanging on the cross people demanded that Jesus perform some sort of magical sign.

Sometimes, when we’re questioning our faith or just looking for answers, we too ask God for a sign. Just like the people of Jesus’ day, we’ve also heard a lot about who Jesus is and what he taught. We’ve been taught to believe that he is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. However, those are some big titles! Sometimes we just want proof, a lab to test out what Jesus teaches us.

In reality, Jesus provided us with the biggest and the best lab there is – our world. Jesus’ teachings aren’t just words on a page; they’re realities that are meant to be practiced. When we apply his teaching in our lab – the world – we see the truth.

It’s not about Jesus performing magic to prove who he is. Jesus’ reality and his ability to claim that he is Christ the King comes from the truth that he brings us. Love, justice, and peace are the foundation of how the world should work. We’ve seen the results of putting them into practice. What more proof do we need?

 Reflection Question

 In what ways do you see the “proof” of Jesus’ teachings in the world around you?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!