1st Week in Ordinary Time : Tuesday 11th January 2022

Every day we practically drown in words. Other people, the media, our inner thoughts all add to the confusion, for most are empty. But words that are connected with the heart and soul are powerful indeed. Hannah’s prayer – though whispered – came from the depths of her being and expressed both desperation and longing. Despite ridicule from the prophet Eli, Hannan’s prayer was heard, and she had a son whom she named Samuel, who became a great prophet.

We need to reflect more when we speak, and choose our words wisely and carefully. And when we pray, it is quality, not quantity, that counts. Send your words heavenward from the heart and soul.

Gandhi insisted that truth was an irresistible force when it was spoken and lived. Jesus would agree, for his words were powerful indeed – demons fled, the winds and waves obeyed, and diseases disappeared. He spoke like one with authority – but what does that mean? Simply put, His words reflected who and what He was. They were not empty or something – He merely memorised from books. They flowed from his relationship with God the Father and his status as a righteous, wise, and holy human being.

He lived the words that he spoke. In a world awash in words, we should firmly express our truth, charitably and from the heart, and ensure that we live out the words we proclaim.

Lord, help me to speak the truth with integrity.