25th week, Ordinary Time, Wed., September 27, 2006

Scripture: Proverbs 30:5-9. Psalm 119:29,72,101,104,163. Luke 9:1-6

One of the Marianist Brothers who was an excellent musician also taught us Gregorian chant in preparation for about ninety of us young men. We then would be able to make the High Mass on Sunday more pleasant for the listeners. He used to start his lessons in chant with different wisdom sayings. One I have never forgotten is "Words are our masters!" To understand this one needs the gift of listening as well as the ability to read. This elderly Brother's name Robert Holzmer, S.M. is famous for the early days of music at Mount Saint John, our Mother House. Now why did he and his wisdom saying come to mind? The Scriptures led me to this for they emphasize the Word of God in today's choices from Proverbs, Psalm 119, and the Gospel of Luke.

In Proverbs, we are alerted to the sacredness of God's words: "Every word of God proves true...Do not add to his words..." Then the choices of verses from Psalm 119 are all related to the word of God. They are preceded by the Psalm response:"Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet." Thus, on our journey of faith, God's word is like a bright light on our path through life as a listener and follower of God.

Jesus' words to the Twelve disciples give them the power to preach the word and to heal. They thus have authority through the word of God seen in Jesus who also is the Light of the world. They had to listen to Jesus before they could receive the power to go out to the villages and bring the Good News of God's Word to people. One has to listen if God's word is to be effective in us. It reminds me of the prayer said before starting the Office of the Church's daily prayer: "O, Lord, open my lips that I may worthily proclaim your holy Name. Cleanse my heart of all evil desires that I may pray with reverence, attention, and devotion."

The Twelve are asked to leave aside all extra baggage so that they may go quickly from town to town spreading the Good News of the words and works of Jesus. Simplicity in their lifestyle helped them to be good sharers of God's word. Paul exemplified this by working as a tentmaker so that he could preach the word of God without cost!

Lord, I ask you for the gift of attentive listening to your word and the words of others. Only then can I bring to others the clear message that You have given me for this day. May my words be helpful, encouraging, and kind. Yes, Lord, I think that Brother Robert knew what he was doing when he told us, "Words are our Masters." Amen.