Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy: Speakers of the Word

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*Image: Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue (Jésus dans la synagogue déroule le livre) by James Tissot, c. 1890 [Brooklyn Museum, New York]

Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap., The Catholic Thing, Jan. 15, 2023

Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, a prolific writer and one of the most prominent living theologians, is a former member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. His newest book is the third volume of Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: The Book of Glory and the Passion and Resurrection Narratives.

Recently someone quoted to me: “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” This maxim is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. I doubt that Francis actually said this, for it is one of the most inane adages ever spoken. Yes, our actions can bear witness to the Gospel, but without words our actions can be inexplicable. Peter declared that we must be prepared to give an account “of the hope” by which we live, that is, our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, (1 Pt. 3:15). For Christians, preaching the word of God with words is of the utmost importance.

This necessity finds its theological foundation within the Trinity itself. The Father eternally speaks his Word. The Father is never silent but is eternally the Truth-Speaker. The Word is the perfect Word-Spoken, for he possesses the consummate truth of the Father. The Word, then, is the Father’s Son, for, as Son, he is the perfect truth-filled image of his Father. They mirror completely the likeness of one another. …

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