Monday First Week of Advent

Gospel – Matthew 8:5-11

Words, Words, Words

Entering Capernaum

Back in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, my dad and I did not see eye to eye about the Vietnam War. It got so bad that I told him that, if I was drafted, I would not serve.  His response?  Well that is your decision but then you would no longer be my son!   Tough times!  Tough words!  I was never drafted but the hurt feelings persisted!  And it was only many years later when we were chatting on the phone that the issue was resolved.  In just a few simple words, he told me “You know that whole Vietnam War thing; well, you were right, I was wrong.”  Those words remain in my memory and heart to this day. 

Words!  They can cut to the heart of the matter or they can cut a relationship in two.  They can bring comfort, hope, encouragement, support, and love.  But they can also be the source of anger, hatred, jealousy, division and despair.  They can bring unity or resentment.  They can bring faith and healing.

We all know this to be true.  The kind word when we are in pain.  The words of encouragement from a teacher that emboldens us to move forward.  The gentle words of a loving parent to ease our moments of hopelessness. 

The Roman centurion in today’s Gospel knows the value of words.  And he believes in the power of Jesus.  His faith in Jesus is so strong that for him all it takes is just a word from Jesus and he knows that his beloved servant is healed.  He doesn’t need to have Jesus come to his home.  Just tell me he is healed and I believe!

Words and faith go hand in hand.  Words literally mean nothing to us unless we trust the person who is speaking them.  Words and faith!  Words have the power to heal, to give us hope, to wipe away our tears and lead us out of the darkness.  How much more so then, the Word of God!

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