Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

We say things like, “talk is cheap,” and “actions speak louder than words.” However, in the Hebrew mind, these were one and the same. When God said, “Let there be light,” light was created. God’s word is active. In the first chapter of John’s gospel, he says that Christ is the Eternal Word that made all that is. God’s Word is powerful.

Thus St. Paul can say that, “For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit.” There are false gospels, empty speech, and bloviation. Yet the Word of God is stronger than any two-edged sword (cf. Heb. 4:12).

Why, then, does the Lord excoriate the Pharisees for their oaths and proselytizing? Because rather than relying on God’s word, abandoning themselves to God’s will, to the gifts that cannot be acquired through effort but only through grace, they are trying to make human words do what God’s do. This is the same temptation that Adam and Eve had when they tried to put themselves in the place of where God alone ought to be. They care more about keeping up appearances and demonstrating how holy they look outwardly, that they are unwilling to be wounded by the Word in their hearts. This is the God that heals us as he wounds us (cf. Hosea 6:1).

Recently, I was asked to give a talk to a group about how to grow spiritually. I said that there are three features I believe found and sustain prayer: consistency, silence, and Scripture. We do even a less than we think we are capable of as long as we are regular and disciplined. We listen more than talk and cultivate the ear of our heart for when we are not in prayer. Lastly, we conform ourselves more closely to God’s Word. Show up, shut up, and be ready for God to act in His powerful words.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB