Lent Meditation February 26: Words
Judges 12:1-7
Heb. 4:11-16
Mark 2:13-22
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Most of us grew up with this bromide and found it reassuring when others chose to cast unpleasant words at us. But of course it’s not really true, is it? We learn as we age that words can indeed have consequences. Words can hurt. They can also reassure, challenge, enlighten, intimidate, anger, etc. etc. We learn to be sensitive to the words of others and, hopefully, to be careful about the things we say.
I’m not sure what to think about today’s lectionary passages except to note that they all seem to hinge on words which have significant and often unexpected consequences. There are lots of consequences in the Book of Judges. In today’s reading, the Israelites are able to distinguish friend from foe by their ability or inability to pronounce a single word, “”Shibboleth”. Those who fail the test are immediately “seized and slaughtered”. Talk about consequences!
In the Gospel of Mark we encounter the Pharisees. These are people of words, i.e. rules for the governance of every facet of life. Much to their apparent frustration, Jesus and his disciples do not seem to want to follow these rules. The Pharisees can’t resist. They have to ask. Why don’t you and your people follow the rules? What they get in return is a surely unexpected lecture from Jesus to the effect that the premise of their question is deeply flawed. They haven’t been paying attention. Jesus’ message is sewn from an entirely new cloth. The old words simply don’t fit the situation.
In Hebrews, Paul talks to us about the word of God. The word of God is alive and active and can judge our most secret emotions and thoughts. We will have to give an account of ourselves. There will be consequences. But in Jesus, we have a savior who knows us very well. If we “never let go of the faith that we have professed” we will find mercy and grace when we are in need of help. Words of reassurance, how wonderful!
Prayer: Dear God, in this season of reflection help us to choose our words more carefully, to listen to others more attentively, and to be steadfast in the faith that we have professed.
Steve Dewhurst
