The Word Lives within Us
Richard James, Council of Twelve Apostles
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. -John 1:1-5
I constantly am bombarded with words and pictures on my phone: texts, Facebook images, advertisements I do not want, Messenger and WhatsApp’s messages, Snapchat images, and Twitter tweets. Internet blogs sometimes can be informative, but are they enlightening or trying to persuade me? Images and emojis try to communicate with me all the time. And YouTube videos, full of images and words, are accessible on almost any subject.
I feel I constantly am impoverished by words in advertisements that make empty promises to entice me to buy something. My mind can be flooded with images from the print media that can be confusing and words by untrustworthy politicians who are abusive and manipulative.
All of these flood into my private space, competing for my attention.
Yes, I do enjoy using my phone, but words can lose their power when they overwhelm us with so many meaningless expressions.
However, Word still has meaning! The Word or Logos is such a powerful word. This is what I should be paying attention to! God in the form of Jesus took up residence in the world and in our lives. If I am not careful, this message can be drowned out, and my life’s priorities can get pushed around. Jesus is the light in the darkness, the light that calls out the darkness. This is good news!
In a fast-changing world, we need to find words that guide us in our discipleship of Jesus Christ, words that uplift us, and words that call out the darkness and shine the light on it.
Listening is a spiritual practice. Whom are you listening to? What words are grabbing your attention? Why? What will you hear? Does the Word have meaning for you today?
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
Prayer Phrase
“Light dawns on a weary world.” CCS 240
Spiritual Practice
The Light of God
Epiphany invites us to focus on the light of God. Close your eyes and draw your attention to your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light and it lives in you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
