by Chris Koellhoffer, IHM June 15, 2024
I’m a writer, so I pay close attention to words–the sound of them, the power of them, even the way they feel in my mouth. I don’t know about you, but I can live off a compliment or a word of praise for at least 6 months! That’s the weight of words, and today’s readings have something to say about them.
The readings for June 15 invite us to notice the weight of our words and the significance of our gestures. To ask: How closely are what we say and do expressions of loving what God loves, as God loves?
In the Book of Kings (1 Kings 19:19-21), we meet the prophet Elijah. He’s discerned that he can best hear the voice of God in silence, just as we can during times of retreat. And right after that, when Elijah sees Elisha plowing the fields, Elijah throws his cloak over him. It’s a tender gesture. A gesture that says, “I have confidence in you, Elisha.” We’re left to wonder: could this gesture have given Elisha the courage he needed to begin a radical change in his life? Perhaps today holds an invitation to remember those persons in our own lives whose belief and confidence in us called forth our very best self, the self that is becoming a contemplative in action. To remember also those times when we’ve responded to grace and ourselves been a healing presence to another.
The Gospel (Matthew 5:33-37) holds some admonitions about false oaths. Not by heaven, not by the earth, not by Jerusalem. A whole lot of talk about swearing. I’d like to turn this on its head and suggest another, more positive perspective. It comes from a poster in my office. The poster reads, “Words are so powerful. They should only be used to heal, to bless, to prosper.” To heal, to bless, to prosper underscores the weight of our words.
What is our intentionality when we speak? What happens when we utter expressions of welcome, acceptance, tenderness, blessing–instead of curse? Well, just look at who we then become through God’s grace: agents of healing in a broken world.
Years ago I read a survey where children were asked to respond to the question, “What is love?” Their answers were profound! My favorite came from 6 year old Billy. What is love? Billy says this: “When someone really loves you, even the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Safe in their mouth. Blessing instead of curse. That’s the weight of our words.
As we move closer to the end of our retreat, may these days confirm the call we each have: to be places of safety, of encouragement, of sanctuary. To say NO to injustice, NO to all the places in our world where love has been extinguished. To say YES to blessing the bruised reed and the smoldering wick. YES to becoming a healing presence and the face of Love in our beautiful yet wounded world. May it be so!
Takeaway
Sit I stillness with the Holy One.
What words of love or encouragement might the Holy One be speaking to you today? Pause for a while and listen for them.
What word(s) do you desire to offer to our world that is both beautiful and broken?
Ask the Holy One to tenderize your speech and your gestures going forward.
Featured Image: Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
NOTE:
This reflection was offered on June 15 at a directed retreat at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, MA, where I’m serving as a guest director. The retreat continues into next week, so please hold in your prayer all who are part of these holy days. Thank you.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, guardians, mentors, all those who foster life through your nurturing and encouragement and help to create a more just, inclusive, and loving world.
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Sister, I was a high school English teacher and in the last few years of teaching I began to find words being used more harshly than before, so I made a huge poster that you couldn’t help but see when you walked through the door: Words have power. How do you use yours? I also had the word “think” on every wall on large and small posters. Of course, one of the large “think” posters was next to the one about words and their power. I noticed a difference as the students picked up the messages. Only a few ever commented on the posters, but the messages had been received. Thank you your posts. I always come away thinking-and that’s the power of words. Thank you.
Thank you for your Good Words..they nourish the Spirit..I meditate each AM, (for many years) and in that silent stillness, I sense my Spirit is graced with the Presence of Christ, as perhaps Elijah perceived in God’s Whisper…
I do actively pray for: my loved ones; our Democracy to follow Truth, Not extremism; our Church to follow Christ, Not politics.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful reflection. It challenges the saying that “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me”
So beautiful.
To bless with words and not harm.
I am so quick to judge or criticize.
I want my words and the names of those I love to be safe in my mouth.
Thank you.
Amen.