Tuesday March 12
Readings: IS 55:10-11; MT 6:7-15
My summary for today: words matter.
Isaiah tells us that God’s words go out into the world and do not return until they have done what they intended to do. In the gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using specific words that he urges them to use.
Words are not insignificant. They are a form of energy, and if we take the biblical narrative and consciousness seriously, we will see that it matters what we say. What we set in motion into the world with our words has an impact – whether we see it or not.
Today might just be a day to pause and think about what words we utter – about ourselves, about others. What comes out of our mouths when we’re angry or frustrated? Do we gossip or talk behind people’s backs? Do we complain a lot? What do our tweets and Facebook posts communicate?
I have always loved the idea of “discernment of speech” (although I’ll admit that I could use a bit more practice!) that our words should pass through certain “gates” as we ask, “Is what we’re going to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” Or even in everyday conversation, I like the acronym, “WAIST” – Why Am I Saying This?
And then if we add on some awareness of the -isms – like sexism or racism, for example – we may try to become more aware of our own speech, how often we’ve spoken, who hasn’t spoken, whose words are taken seriously and whose are ignored, etc.
So, yes, go back and read the ‘Our Father’ prayerfully and slowly today, but also be aware of what other words you speak today and what they set in motion.
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