Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
James 1:21bc
I sing at church. Well, I hope we ALL sing at church, but what I mean is that I help to cantor. Each Sunday, it’s my role to lead the people in singing the Gospel Acclamation, often the Alleluia, before the reading of the gospel. Every time we sing the Gospel Acclamation, there is a verse from scripture that helps to orient our hearts to receive the gospel we are about to hear. I was taught an exercise in musical theater that might be fun to apply to today’s verse.
Read through this phrase a few different times, but place the emphasis or intonation on a different word each time. Then, ponder on how it impacts the verse.
Humbly- welcome the word… Without airs, without pride or assumption. With openness.
Humbly -Welcome- the word… Is there space in my heart for God’s word to be greeted, invited in to dwell in me?
Humbly welcome the -Word-… The word is the Lord’s, but the Lord is also the Word Himself; the Word incarnate, made flesh (John 1).
The Word -planted- in you… Is God’s word verdant and green in me? Am I like a new sprout growing? Can I recall scripture in difficulty like a strong tree?
…the word that has been Planted in -You… Was scripture embedded in my life as a youth? Is it time to pick up my bible and read it more? Or download a bible app, like The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz?
…and is -Able to Save- your souls…What power Christ the Word has! Back to the first word, do I have the humility to accept that I need a Savior? That I cannot redeem or fix myself? Am I willing to change, to loosen my grip on the wall blocking Jesus from that one part of my heart?
This is what the Lord had to say to me in this scripture. What is He saying to you?
Lord, help me humbly welcome You into my life this day.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sarah Williford
Did you know...
After 10+ years in faith formation and youth ministry, Sarah Williford’s new adventure is rocking the mom life at home with her new daughter and some side hustles. She thrives on a good cup of tea, layered harmonies, quirky comedies, Adoration, and her husband, Ryan. You can catch her at the Saint Jude Moms Group on Wednesday mornings.
