Words Matter
Words do matter. What we say, how we say it, matters. Words can be a weapon or a grace, a curse or a blessing.
Rev Colleen has discovered ancient (believed to be the original) Hail Mary written in the Aramaic. I offer them both to you for your comparison.
Traditional: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Ancient: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, untroubled maiden. You are blessed among women,
you who brought forth peace to people and glory to the angels. Blessed too is the fruit of your womb,
who by grace made it possible for us to be his heirs. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us heirs and co-workers of God at the hour of our creativity. Amen.
Quite different, aren’t they? The words used in the prayer matter. One focus’ on our sinfulness and death while the other focus’ relationship with God and on our co-workings in God’s creation. Neither is right or wrong. The traditional was written in the time of the bubonic plague, when people were dying in droves and afraid. The ancient was written in a different time and place. But the words change the focus and the meaning.
In a world where information is instantaneous, words matter. How we hear them matters. I believe that we are called to hear words through God’s ears and God’s Word. We are called to discover the truth in the words. The truth shall set us free. Jesus was pretty clear in showing us the ways of gentleness and compassion; of not judging, of being kind, of being honest, of serving others, and in honoring ourselves and each other person on the planet. We are children of God, blessed, broken and beloved. We are called to live into this reality, watch our words, question the words of others, and come to a loving conclusion.
During Lent, we are given the opportunity to reorient ourselves to God. We are given the time to claim who we are and the command to share that with the world. For all of us belong to God - - were created by God, formed by God, loved by God, and brought forth into this world for God’s purpose. I invite you to join me this season as I strive to make sure my words are aligned with God’s words; that my actions are aligned with Jesus’ actions. I pray that all our words are words of grace, of healing, of respect, of integrity, and of hope. The truth will, indeed, set us free.
Rev. Joan
