Living Words

Dear Friends,

Emily Dickinson, the nineteenth century American poet, wrote about the power of the word. Here is her poem:

A word is dead

when it is said,

some say.

I say it just

begins to live

that day.

In recent weeks of violence, dissent, and challenged faith, many words have been written, and many words have been spoken. When we believers gather in weekend worship, we hear sacred scriptures proclaimed. Some of us have heard preachers relate the bible passages with current events. Some of us are still waiting for such preaching.

This weekend’s gospel passage begs for proclamation and preaching and lived response. The reading for Sunday, February 1 is this familiar passage from Matthew 5:

When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

If you are reading this post, take the time to read it aloud. Join the Sunday preachers in speaking this living word. Join the Sunday preachers in speaking aloud the words that call us all to a reign of God’s justice, peace, and mercy. Identify God at work bringing a reign of justice, peace, and mercy, the word once said, beginning to live this day.

With hope,

Susan Schantz SSJ