The WORD in other words (2006) by Sister Mildred Arcos SSpS
Tuesday 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
“His teaching made a deep impression on them because His word carried authority” (Luke 4:32).
One morning, a friend came to me feeling down, unable to eat or sleep. My first impulse was to dismiss her politely, for I had my own plans. Yet that day I woke with gratitude, thanked the Lord for a restful night, and welcomed the day with joy. So I paused, walked with her, and listened. Soon I found myself immersed in her story, filled with empathy.
I recalled words of Jesus from Scripture, and as I shared them, I saw her spirit lift. Truly, His word carries authority—healing, consoling, and transforming.
The Word of God does four things for us:
- It judges — “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). We cannot simply hear it and forget it.
- It purifies — “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). It exposes evil and points us toward the good.
- It obligates — “Many of those who heard the word believed” (Acts 4:4). To receive it means to pass it on.
- It renews — “You have been born anew… through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). It gives us new life.
The authority of Jesus’ word is not harsh but life-giving. It judges yet heals, purifies yet strengthens, obligates yet empowers, renews yet consoles. When we allow His word to dwell in us, we become instruments of hope for others.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
