WORDS OF POWER

Luke 4:31-37

In different fields in our society, a comedian will work hard to create not only a successful show but one different from other comedians. Great artists like painters work not only to produce striking creations but also unique styles. Similarly great musicians are not content with creating memorable music; they also want to develop their own sound. A mother can pick out her infant’s voice amid a dozen crying babies.  A choir director can isolate the particular singer whose note was slightly off-key.

Jesus too has his special sound, his special voice, his special words which people could recognize. We find this several times in the gospel. The disciples at the sea while fishing cried out: “it is the Lord!” Mary, at the tomb exclaimed:  “Rabboni,” as she realized it was the Lord and not the guard when Jesus called her name. It was the same voice, full of power that abated the wind and calmed the storm. It was the same voice that healed the paralytic when Jesus said: rise, pick up your mat and go. It was the same voice which Jesus used to appeal to His disciples: my sheep hear my voice. It was the same authoritative voice which demons recognized as Jesus commanded and drove them out.

It was the same unique voice that provoked wonder and people said: What is there about His words? It is clear that Jesus’ authority was coming from His words. His words had power; by them he was able to command the sick to be healed and the demons to depart. Some people say that words are the flesh by which ideas are made visible and sent across peoples and nations; they are the medium of communication and dialogue.

Through Jesus’ words, devils come out, storms are pacified, the sick are healed, and sinners are forgiven. What kind of words do we used, and for what purpose? What kind power do our words have over people and nature? Do our words heal, and forgive; do our words build up people or destroy them?