August 5, Tuesday Weekday

The Lord will build up Zion again,and appear in all his glory.--Psalm 102:17

Mass readings: Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22 /Matthew 14:22-36 or Matthew 15:1-2,10-14

God's Words

I like the beginning of today's Old Testament reading. God says to Jeremiah, ''Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book.''

Books are my profession. I edit books for a Catholic publisher (Loyola Press) and I've written several Catholic books myself. I begin every working day (well, most days) with a prayer that I will do a good job with my editing and writing. But what does ''good job'' mean? I wish it was as simple as God's command to Jeremiah: write down what I tell you. But it's not that easy. Truth be told, it probably wasn't that easy for Jeremiah and others who put the Scriptures together. Even now God is ''speaking'' to us -- writer or not -- and we have the opportunities to convey His words to others.

Prayer: Father, help me to say what You want me to say.