Not empty phrases

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary present a thread on the power of words. The prophet Isaiah declares that the Word of God goes forth with power to accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. The Creation Narrative in Genesis is the realization of the universe from the Word of the Creator. We seek out and try to hear the “Words” spoken to our ancestors that we might come to some understanding of the role of the Word we hear in our lives. The psalmist declares today that are aware of the Presence of the Lord when we hear and fear Him. This ‘fear” is related to the nature of the fear we experience in our intimate relationships. We ‘fear’ that the relationship may be damaged and the beloved may move away. This awareness is of the Presence. It is in communion with our indwelling Spirit and we hear the words which speak to our ‘name’ or essence. The Gospel of Matthew presents the “words” given us by the Word Made Flesh to begin, continue or conclude our focused dialogue with the Divine. In the times of trouble and ‘fear” sweeping people it is a strong collection of mighty phrases to reset our compass and reconnect our being with the Divine.