Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Heinrich Hofmann, via Wikimedia Commons
Teach me your way of looking at people
as you glanced at Peter after his denial,
as you penetrated the heart of the rich young man
and the hearts of your disciples.
I would like to meet you as you really are,
since your image changes those
with whom you come in contact.
Remember John the Baptist’s first meeting with you?
And the centurion’s feeling of unworthiness?
And the amazement of all those who saw miracles and other wonders?
How you impressed your disciples,
the rabble in the Garden of Olives,
Pilate and his wife
and the centurion at the foot of the cross. . . .
I would like to hear and be impressed
by your manner of speaking,
listening, for example, to your discourse
in the synagogue in Capernaum
or the Sermon on the Mount
where your audience felt you
“taught as one who has authority.”
Pedro Arrupe, 1907 – 1991, Spanish Basque Jesuit Priest
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They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came,
Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.
The people were amazed at his teaching,
because he taught them as one who had authority,
not as the teachers of the law.
prayer & verse 
