Scripture:
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
Reflection:
The Spanish saint, John of the Cross, was not an ordinary writer. He was a poet. Thousands of years before, in the Holy Land of the Old Testament, he might have chosen to pen psalms.
But today’s reading brought up Elijah, a prophet whose story was penned by others, not himself. This raises a fascinating question: if Elijah, a prominent figure, didn’t write his own story, why should we expect Jesus to have written a few things down?
Consider the historical context: Jesus lived in a world rich in written languages – Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Yet, he chose to convey his teachings orally. Most people were illiterate in his day; we should not be surprised that most American citizens were also illiterate in Thomas Jefferson’s day. Even today, illiteracy remains enormous around the world.
Much of the Bible endures from that powerful medium called the spoken word.
The spoken word has proven to bypass the barriers of time and distance and forges bonds among people. It’s more compelling than the written word in terms of tone, pace, body language, and emotions. It can be spontaneous, fluid, and adaptable to situations. It reaches people who may struggle with written text for physical reasons, not necessarily from a lack of education. And we know oral traditions have been the backbone of countless cultures for millennia. So, let’s think about how much it shapes our identities and values that we treasure today.
Elijah, Jesus, and countless other leaders chose the spoken word to leave their mark. Their words, passed down through generations by their followers, continue to inspire and transform. As we reflect on their legacy, let’s acknowledge the extraordinary power of the spoken word. This tool has shaped history and will continue for generations to come.
Jack Dermody is president of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a proactive group founded by Passionist Alumni to serve others; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the newsletter for the Passionist Alumni Association. He lives in Glendale, Arizona.