If we pay attention to the world around us, we realize that what often prevails is the noise of opinions. Everyone wants to have their say, and spaces for debate where everyone seems to know everything are multiplying. However, we don't always find genuine wisdom in them; sometimes, on the contrary, there is a risk of fostering superficiality, ignorance, and a progressive cultural impoverishment.
Given this panorama, what truly deserves to be heard? There are words, and then there are Words. What distinguishes them? We can call Words, with a capital W, those—written or spoken—that, once internalized, have the power to transform us. They are words that express wisdom because they offer a key to understanding human existence, the desire for transcendence, and the relationships that bind human beings to one another and to nature. As Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian poet, philosopher, and writer, wrote: «"Words reach the heart when they have come from the heart."».
The Word does not belong to a specific time, place, or religion. Xavier Melloni, anthropologist, theologian, and phenomenologist of religion, observes that for some the Word is inspired by the Holy Spirit, while for others it is the fruit of the illumination of conscience. But how do we recognize when we are in the presence of the Word? «"We can say that the Word is what makes us capable of opening ourselves to others, of giving ourselves and of remaining silent, going beyond ourselves towards an ever-greater depth. The authentic word is vital and generates life."»[1]. Thus, the Word, understood in a broad sense, frees us from the bonds to which we are subjected; it does not depend on hidden interests, it is not coercive, but it becomes idolatry when it ceases to be wise.
And yet, the Word does not always resonate in the same way within us, even when expressed with the same words. Its reception is closely linked to the stage of life we are experiencing. Superficiality, worries faced with self-sufficiency, or indifference are obstacles that prevent the Word from bearing fruit in us and, through us, in others.
The Word of wisdom becomes a solid point of reference on the human journey. Sometimes it offers us answers; other times it raises new questions; it allows us to contemplate things from a different perspective and open ourselves to dimensions of reality that we were previously unable to perceive; it sets us free and leads us to experience what is truly essential to our existence. Only the authentic Word, the Word of wisdom, can transform our way of thinking and acting. Accepted and lived, it helps us to give greater meaning to our existence, to experience deeper relationships, and to build together a more humane and fraternal society.
Jordi's account: «Every encounter with the Word is personal and intimate. My encounter with the Word came after years focused on work and technology. Reading books from different fields—biographies, novels, philosophy, etc.—awakened in me a search for wisdom to give meaning to life’s big questions, sustain my existence, and understand why the Word manifests itself in such diverse and seemingly contradictory ways. On this path, I encountered the wisdom of Chiara Lubich, expressed in a fresh and vital reinterpretation of the Gospel and witnessed through an inspiring lifestyle. Despite its confessional nature, it proved capable of connecting with people who, like me, have no religious convictions and of involving them in the journey of fraternity.».
This month, let us nourish ourselves with wise words, make them our own, and transform them into life. And, if we have the opportunity, let us share the fruits they bear with those who, like us, are on their journey. In this way, we will build together a more humane and meaningful coexistence.
This reflection is inspired by Jordi Illa's speech at the International Congress promoted by the Center for Dialogue with People of Non-Religious Convictions in 2013, entitled "The Word".
[1] See Xavier Melloni, Towards a time of synthesis, Fragmenta Editorial, Barcelona, 2011, p. 55.
