Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. — Psalm 106:1 

Mass readings: Genesis 16:1-12,15-16 or 16:6-12,15-16 / Matthew 7:21-29 

When Words Get in the Way 

People who work with words — writers, lawyers, poets — know that language has a dark side. Words can enlighten, inspire and instruct. They can also manipulate, deceive and destroy. And when the most profound truths — about beauty, love, God — need to be told, words can be painfully inadequate. In the face of mystery, even the most articulate person can only point and shrug. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that words, however devout, however eloquent, are like the prophets He has just warned about. You will know their worth by their fruits. God hears our praise and petitions with love, but our actions are our surest prayers. In His eyes, the poet and the peasant and the priest have the same chance at heaven because their lives speak more truly than words.

Prayer: Lord, my words are poor. You know my heart