Through the desert - with the Word

THE WORD IN LENT - Tuesday, First Week

February 20, 2024: Isaiah 55: 10-11: Matthew 6:7-15

We reflected upon the aspect of going or passing "through the desert" and that the way of doing it is, 'with the other'. Today the Word offers us another reflection on the same lines... what is the source of strength that can offer us the necessary endurace to withstand that journey 'through the desert'. Because the desert can be not only tiresome, but also treacherous and we need a real strong weapon to equip ourselves with. The weapon or the equipment is, the Word; the Word itself is the strongest of the scaffoldings that uphold our total well-being. 

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path, we pray in the Psalms (119:105), and if that were true, Jesus demands us today, that it should be reflected in every aspect of our lives - specially in every word that we utilise, making them living and life giving. Do not blabber, he admonishes us. Whether it is with God, with others, or any other context... let's be conscious of our words. 

The Word in itself is dynamic and active, alive and transforming. But when it comes to human persons and their lives, there is a great factor that makes a difference: our personal disposition. A disposition of free submission to the Word and a readiness to allow the Word to work. 

Hence we are reminded of three important "Word attitudes" -

Firstly, to receive in all earnestness, the Word that comes to us in varied ways everyday. Secondly, to make the Word the guidepost for our lives and making it come alive in our experiences and relationships. Thirdly, to respect and be mindful of our own words. As Jesus teaches us, to make our words mean what they say. When we pray (say) the words, "your will be done and your kingdom come"... How different will the world be, how transformed our lives will be, if we meant them fully when we say those words! 

We are invited today to go through the deserts of our lives, with the Word.