Sunday, September 20
But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
—Luke 11:28
We may not even be aware of all that filters into our brain,yet we find ourselves overloaded at the end of the day,simply because we've processed so many snippets of information. We are like a computer ready to shut down. We need a re-boot.
There are words that carry in them the seed of wholeness. Words that represent concepts that are beyond our comprehension. We know the words when we hear them. We may not understand all that is behind them, but we know they carry potential and possibility. We know that if we believe and act upon the words, life as we know it will be altered. We know that we will be fuller and more complete human beings.
When St. Benedict said that it's important to willingly hear holy readings, he knew that what was spoken in holy readings was just these kinds of words. Words that are layered with the mind of heaven. Words that can be recognized as life-giving words.
When we keep the gates of our minds and hearts unwittingly open, all kinds of words and ideas pass through. It might be good for our soul if we set aside some time every day for reading some holy words—words not only good for reading, but keeping and obeying.
Gracious God, let me trust the power of holy words to enlarge my soul.