Word to the Wise
Saturday, January 19, 2013 - Saturday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[Heb 4:12-16 and Mark 2:13-17]The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.. [Hebrews]
I don't often print out an entire daily scripture passage! This one, however, is a favorite of mine because it mentions two powerful realities that have a daily impact on my life, and I suspect, on the lives of many! The first of those realities is the "word of God." Our own experience in human relationships can tell us that something someone says to us or something we hear or read can "cut" or "touch" us very deeply. Language is more than sounds or printed marks on paper! As a preacher I know the power of the spoken or written word from my own experience and the occasional reaction from my "beloved congregation." So, the power of the word of God is all the greater as a matter of faith. We may deny that power, but it's there anyhow! The word of God is the grace of God - God's spoken presence. I have to be the "first audience" of anything I preach!
The second reality is that knowing how the word of God penetrates, I am also aware that all my thoughts and actions are known to God and that I stand in constant need of God's mercy and help. The Letter to the Hebrews is anxious to point out that Jesus' role as the new "high priest" of a new covenant does not mean that he is removed from our ordinary lives of ups and downs. He lived in our midst and suffered and rejoiced as one of us "in all things but sin." Jesus is first and foremost the "word of God" that helps, confronts and forgives. That is an "encouraging word!" AMEN