TGIMMjust

	PUT IT INTO WORDS

The Gospel

JOHN 9:35-38

When Jesus heard that they had thrown [the cured blind man] out, he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered and said, "Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he." He said, "I do believe, Lord," and he worshiped him.

The Media -- "Just the Way You Are" (Bruno Mars)

"Her eyes make the stars look like they’re not shining. Her hair falls perfectly without her trying. She’s so beautiful, and I tell her every day. When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change, 'cause you’re amazing just the way you are. And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while. I'd never ask you to change. If perfect's what you're searching for, then just stay the same. So don't even bother asking if you look okay 'cause you know I'll say: when I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change."

There is little doubt how the person in the song feels toward his girlfriend, but the important thing is that he tells her. If we want to make sure that a relationship will last, we must tell the other person in words exactly how we feel.

There are many times in the Gospel when Jesus desired a direct statement from people that he cured or was about to cure. In John the evangelist's story of Jesus' cure of a blind man, after he had healed the man, and after the man's interaction with the religious leaders, Jesus seeks him out, asking him directly whether he believes or not. Jesus knew the value of words that must be spoken.

Human thoughts are interesting to study; we may indeed be thinking correctly about what another feels, but if those feelings are not put into words, we can never really be certain. One of the problems with relationships is that people will assume that other people will understand what they wanted to say. It is especially evident in love relationships when one may think that the other "really should" understand how he/she feels. Often one hears statements like: "If he/she really loved me, he/she would know my feelings about how I feel." Sometimes such a statement might be true, but more often than not, words explaining one's feelings must be spoken.

Bruno Mars sings direct words in his song "Just the Way You Are." They are words expressing his love to his girlfriend. As one studies how the girl feels as he sings the words, one might guess that she really should have understood how he felt without his saying it. But if a person intends to make a commitment, whether it is a commitment for a small thing or a commitment that will last forever, words must be spoken.

It is true that sometimes words may not express clearly how we truly feel, and indeed sometimes we may be saying words that are not entirely true. But if we want to get some point across to someone else, generally words must be spoken. Jesus knew it when it came to the spiritual life. A person in a love relationship must know it if their love is to last.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son taught us the lesson of saying what we believe. May we always express our belief in you. And may we learn the value of putting our feelings into words, especially our love feelings for another. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: People in love must put their love thoughts into words.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. This Gospel is used with the meditation because Jesus clearly desires to have words spoken by the person who is cured. In effect, Jesus is saying that words must be spoken at times if a commitment is made. What are the most important words that are spoken by an individual in their lives?
2. "Belief in Jesus" is an important part of this passage. In your opinion, what are the most important characteristics of this belief?
3. The man in the song is obviously in love with his girlfriend. In your opinion, what are the indications that "true romantic love" is present between a man and a woman?
4. Give your definition of "love."
5. In general, do you think that young people like to be told that they are handsome or pretty with direct words as in the song? Yes or no and why?
6. Writing our love thoughts to another is a common way of speaking our love. Do you believe that writing is "as good as" speaking the words? Yes or no and why?
7.Do you think that most couples in love put their feelings into words the way they should? Yes or no and why?
8. Why do people "assume" that another knows how they are thinking, rather than telling them?
9. In your opinion, are there some times when one party can honestly assume what the other is thinking? Yes or no and why?
10. The meditation speaks of "commitment for a small thing." What are some examples of such a commitment?
11. If the largest commitment that we make is to a way of life such as marriage, how does one prepare for such a commitment?
12. In romantic love settings, do you think that some things are said that are not completely true? Yes or no and why?
13. What does the song "Just the Way You Are" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike