Homily for Thursday 10th January 2019
_“And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” *(Luke 4:22)*_
As human beings, one of the ways we share in the image of God is our ability to produce intelligible and meaningful words with our mouths. Our words are more than mere sounds, they are part of the creation process. Just as God spoke creation into existence, our words are capable of changing lives, altering destinies and shaping the course of history.
When the right words are said at the right time, things begin to happen. Once words are uttered, they can never be taken back into the mouth. They go out into the same atmosphere that listened and obeyed when God spoke. As kids, I remember my class teacher telling us that “the walls have ears.” I didn’t understand this at first, thinking he meant it literally. I kept looking at the walls hoping to see where its ears are. In the end, I ended up becoming a very quiet person.
Even though my teacher was only trying to make us less noisy in class back then, he had a point in the end. The walls and everything that exists has ears. The earth has not stopped listening since God spoke to it at creation. This is why we must be extremely careful with our words be it in moments of excitement or anger. Words can either create or destroy.
In our Gospel passage this morning, we see Jesus in the temple in Synagogue using words to pass across a deep message of blessing, favour, good news, restoration and release to the people. As Luke tells us, “And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” Luke 4:22.
What kind of words proceed from my words? Do I even reflect on the full impact of the kind of words I use daily? Is there truth in what I say? In other words, do I really mean what I say? Jesus didn’t just speak, he actually fulfilled what he spoke. He freed the captives, he cured the blind, he brought liberty to the oppressed. He wasn’t merely making a political statement in the temple that day.
St. John tells us in today’s first reading: “If anyone says, I Love God and yet, hates his brother, he is a liar.” John was telling us to be sure of what we say by checking if our actions do not contradict it. You cannot say you love God if you hate your brother. Words are powerful but actions speak louder.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to use the right words always. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday after the Epiphany of Jesus. Bible Study: 1st John 4:19-5:4, Psalm 72 and Luke 4:14-22).
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