Words matter. They have the power of revealing the depths of our innermost selves. Spoken, written, or signed, words are windows into the mystery of one’s spiritual life. Writers, teachers, public speakers, and preachers, among others, treasure words with intentionality and use them with much care.
Do we actually pay attention to words? Words communicate, inform, invite, persuade. They may also hurt and mislead. In our day, words come and go hastily; people make rapid decisions and pass major judgment based on soundbites. A good habit for a discerning Christian life is to pay sincere attention to words and where they come from.
Many people talk about God. Most do it to share witness of what God has done in their lives; others do it to explain and share their faith. I worry, however, when some talk about God to advance particular interests or manipulate others.
Today’s readings invite us to contemplate the value and source of the words we use to talk about God. Jesus was recognized as an authentic prophet because “he spoke with authority.” He used words others recognized, yet there was something particular about him. He spoke in the name of God, moved by the Spirit. His words revealed the depths of God’s inner life. In turn, Paul observes that Christians speak about the things of God, “with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.”
May it be that when we speak of the things of God, we do it carefully and our words be always those taught by the Spirit.

Hosffman Ospino

Hosffman Ospino is associate professor of theology and education at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry.