I love all things literary. I love hearing great dialogue in a movie. I am impressed when a subject expert takes a complex subject and makes it understandable. Great speeches can move me to tears. And nothing to me is more wonderful than reading a great book. Today’s readings speak to me of the power of words.
Imagine the people of the prophet’s Ezra’s times, so moved by his reading of Mosaic law that they cried. Hearing God’s word may have pierced their hearts and they wept with remorse over failure to follow the Law. Alternatively, the people may have been overcome with the beauty of the Law that Moses gave them, and these were tears of joy. The Levite priests reminded them that they should rejoice over the gift of the Mosaic precepts.
Today’s responsorial psalm repeats that these words are “more precious than gold” and “sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.” Sacred Scripture should overwhelm us with the descriptions of trials, spiritual and physical, human emotions, and God’s ever constant presence in saving His people.
A Scripture Scholar
We need to thank St. Jerome, whose Memorial is this day. His translations from the original Hebrew are read by us today. In the 4th century, St. Jerome, one of our early Church Fathers, was recognized as a master linguist having learned both Greek and Latin. To overcome strong temptations, St. Jerome put himself to the task of learning Hebrew. “When my soul was on fire with bad thoughts…I became a scholar to a monk who had been a Jew to learn of him the Hebrew alphabet…And I thank our Lord that I now gather sweet fruit from the bitter sowing of these studies.” At the request of several popes, St. Jerome translated from the Hebrew most of the books of the Old Testament into Latin, which led to the words we read in today’s versions of the Bible.
Words of Spirit and Life
In the Gospel, Jesus sends out 72 disciples to share His message that the “Kingdom of God is at hand”. They are not carrying written texts; probably most of them were illiterate. But they were carrying the words of Christ and their knowledge of the Law—a powerful combination of words. Yet, as we know, not everyone was willing to receive these disciples. Many were not willing to receive Christ himself—” ‘The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.’ Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. (Jn.6:63-64)
Lucky us who have an abundance of opportunities to meditate on the words of Christ. Unfortunately, many of us have relied only on a Sunday homily to feed us. Our poor priests should not have to shoulder that expectation! I know finding the words for a monthly reflection is daunting, so I cannot imagine doing this 7 days a week!
If your Bible is languishing on shelf somewhere, take it down, dust it off and read. Computer savvy? A podcast such as Ascension Press’ “Bible in a Year” is a magnificent tool to meditate on the Scripture. But choose a time to quiet your soul and read or listen and try to discern what Our Lord is saying to you. His Word is powerful. It may move you to weep with remorse. But remember, “the precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart”. Rejoice then in God’s word!
This is a beautiful evocation of the power of Sacred Scripture – may it stir
joy and passion in our hearts.
Thank you.
Hello. I enjoyed your comments on the Scriptures and St. Jerome. There are times when scripture gives me joy and times when I cry and /or ask for forgiveness. In all, God’s words, Jesus’s teaching helps me get closer to them and do better with loving people. This year I am focused on daily scripture reading and returning to the role of Lector in my parish which is in Charlotte North Carolina. Be blessed.