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JESUS%u2019 WORDS43. Although the Scriptures preserve Jesus%u2019 words, ever alive and timely, there are moments whenhe speaks to us inwardly, calls us and leads us to a better place. That better place is his heart.There he invites us to find fresh strength and peace: %u201cCome to me, all who are weary and arecarrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest%u201d (Mt 11:28). In this sense, he could say to hisdisciples, %u201cAbide in me%u201d (Jn 15:4).44. Jesus%u2019 words show that his holiness did not exclude deep emotions. On various occasions, hedemonstrated a love that was both passionate and compassionate. He could be deeply movedand grieved, even to the point of shedding tears. It is clear that Jesus was not indifferent to thedaily cares and concerns of people, such as their weariness or hunger: %u201cI have compassion for thiscrowd... they have nothing to eat... they will faint on the way, and some of them have come from agreat distance%u201d (Mk 8:2-3).45. The Gospel makes no secret of Jesus%u2019 love for Jerusalem: %u201cAs he came near and saw the city,he wept over it%u201d (Lk 19:41). He then voiced the deepest desire of his heart: %u201cIf you had onlyrecognized on this day the things that make for peace%u201d (Lk 19:42). The evangelists, while at timesshowing him in his power and glory, also portray his profound emotions in the face of death andthe grief felt by his friends. Before recounting how Jesus, standing before the tomb of Lazarus,%u201cbegan to weep%u201d (Jn 11:35), the Gospel observes that, %u201cJesus loved Martha and her sister andLazarus%u201d (Jn 11:5) and that, seeing Mary and those who were with her weeping, %u201che was greatlydisturbed in spirit and deeply moved%u201d (Jn 11:33). The Gospel account leaves no doubt that histears were genuine, the sign of inner turmoil. Nor do the Gospels attempt to conceal Jesus%u2019anguish over his impending violent death at the hands of those whom he had loved so greatly: he%u201cbegan to be distressed and agitated%u201d (Mk 14:33), even to the point of crying out, %u201cI am deeplygrieved, even to death%u201d (Mk 14:34). This inner turmoil finds its most powerful expression in his cryfrom the cross: %u201cMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me?%u201d (Mk 15:34).46. At first glance, all this may smack of pious sentimentalism. Yet it is supremely serious and ofdecisive importance, and finds its most sublime expression in Christ crucified. The cross is Jesus%u2019most eloquent word of love. A word that is not shallow, sentimental or merely edifying. It is love,sheer love. That is why Saint Paul, struggling to find the right words to describe his relationshipwith Christ, could speak of %u201cthe Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me%u201d (Gal 2:20).This was Paul%u2019s deepest conviction: the knowledge that he was loved. Christ%u2019s self-offering on thecross became the driving force in Paul%u2019s life, yet it only made sense to him because he knew thatsomething even greater lay behind it: the fact that %u201che loved me%u201d. At a time when many wereseeking salvation, prosperity or security elsewhere, Paul, moved by the Spirit, was able to seefarther and to marvel at the greatest and most essential thing of all: %u201cChrist loved me%u201d.47. Now, after considering Christ and seeing how his actions and words grant us insight into his11