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“Simple folk can usually find the Lord by crossing a field like shepherds; they bring
their poverty, humility and simple openness. But knowledge, wisdom, power, pres-
tige, and the lack of humility often lead to despair. People who believe they have
the immediate, final truth and clarity about anything often are led into bleak, dead
-end streets or they remain lost in the desert of solitude, self-sufficiency, selfishness
and despair.”
Herod was threatened by Jesus. Although he told the Magi to “search diligently
for the child and bring me word, that I, too, may go and do him homage”, he
gave the word to his soldiers to kill any child two years of age and younger. Words
have tremendous power. Recently, Pope Francis warned of verbal terrorism:
“Every human being is capable of turning into a terrorist simply by abusing lan-
guage. You see, I am not speaking here about fighting a battle as in a war. I am
speaking of a deceitful and hidden form of terrorism that uses words as bombs that
explode, causing devastation in people’s lives. It is a sort of criminality and the
root of it is original sin. It is a way of creating space for yourself by destroying oth-
ers.”
How do I use my words? Am I affirming and life giving? Do I use them as a verbal
terrorist to demean and destroy? Do I recognize all human life regardless of race,
ethnicity, gender or religion as being equal and valuable in God’s eyes? The Feast
of the Epiphany celebrates God’s Word revealed to all people. ”Rise up in splen-
dor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” Reflect that
light through your words and actions!
Prayer
Good and gracious God, your Word has been
revealed to me in the person of Jesus. Forgive
the times I have used my words to marginalize
and destroy. Enable me to speak words of
welcome and inclusion to all those I meet –
especially to those who find life especially bur-
densome. I make this prayer in the name of
Jesus, your Word, who lives with you and the
Spirit. Amen.
______
Bill Metzdorf
Parishioner