Jesus the Eternal Word

Madonna and Child Holding the World | 1894 Library of Congress

Events of recent memory - Paris - remind us that Christians, the heralds of reason, goodwill, peace, hope, and eternal salvation in Christ, face opposition from those espoused to the lord of this world, the devil.

The Olympic Games have nothing on the epic battle between the Church and the devil's allies. The world caught a glimpse of that struggle between light and darkness when a mockery was staged with organizers' foreknowledge. Contrary to the claims of IOC representatives and those of the producer of the opening tableaux, participants in the weird and crass opening ceremonies admitted on various social media platforms that the episode in question was intended to parody the Lord's Supper. On an artistic level, the opening segment was anything but art. It was an attempt at propaganda in support of a twisted anthropology.

These days the world is plagued to the point of annoyance with the arrogant musings of individuals who fabricate egoistic works with a purpose to gain attention. How very 1960s of them. Yawn. It's a fact that ugliness has its appeal among those who make themselves unattractive, not so much in terms of physical appearance but in moral quality, i.e., the lack thereof. With the right kind of effort and timing, some may listen to the call to dignity in Christ. Exercising prudential judgment in each encounter, it is to those who have recognized a need for change that we must make constant appeal. Our appeal is simple: no matter what you may have done in the past, turn toward Jesus and leave behind sin and despair. A new life awaits you.

• https://x.com/BreeSolstad | The site of a woman who experienced a marvelous conversion to Christ.

There is no reasoning, however, with those who are possessed by the thought that their perverse ideologies are somehow legitimate. Their so-called defence of diversity, which is most often more an adolescent rebellion against normalcy, is an acid on the hearts, minds and bodies of the innocent.

It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance. Thomas Sowell

Catholics are mediators of the truth, goodness and beauty offered by the One Mediator, Jesus Christ. We are words in the mind of God, precious words in the poetry of God Who by His redeeming and sustaining grace establishes us as participants in His mission to save souls. "(T)hrough Jesus, individuals can participate in divine grace and eternal life, as He offers a new understanding of human existence and destiny(.)"

We Catholics have an obligation to pray and offer loving support for those in most need of God's mercy. We must equip ourselves to witness to the Faith when circumstances invite a sharing of the Gospel. Not all encounters will be pleasant, but we can be certain that Jesus is with us when we place His will before our own, when we graft our intentions to the charity of Christ. We offer up time and talents to serve His mission, i.e., the truth spoken in love to save souls. We are present to Jesus in every person, no matter how distressing the encounter. Jesus is the Word among us.

Jesus the Eternal Word

Jesus, referred to as the eternal Word (Logos), is central to Catholic theology, embodying the union of divine and human natures in the mystery of the Incarnation. This concept is articulated in the Gospel of St John, which states, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn 1:14). This passage emphasizes that the eternal Word, who existed with God and was God, took on human form to reveal divine truth and facilitate humanity's relationship with God 1.

The Incarnation signifies that Jesus is both true God and true man, possessing two distinct natures that are united in the one divine Person of the Word. This union is not a blending of natures but a profound mystery where the divine nature acts through the human nature of Jesus 2,3. The Church teaches that through the Incarnation, Jesus fully reveals the Father and His plan of salvation, while also revealing the true nature of humanity 4.

Moreover, the Incarnation is seen as a transformative event in history, where the eternal enters time, allowing humanity to access divine life. This is highlighted in the teachings that through Jesus, individuals can participate in divine grace and eternal life, as He offers a new understanding of human existence and destiny 5,6.

Jesus as the eternal Word is the fulfillment of God's promise, bringing together the divine and human in a unique and salvific way, which is foundational to the Christian faith and understanding of salvation 7,8.

References

1. Tertio Millennio Adveniente I.3
2. Compendium of the CCC 89
3. Compendium of the CCC 86
4. Ecclesia in Asia 13
5. General Audience of 10 December 1997 2
6. Incarnationis mysterium: Bull of indiction of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 1
7. The Interpretation of Dogma B.III.1
8. Ecclesia in Africa 60