Tuesday, March 8, 2022

EMPTY WORDS

EMPTY WORDS
Meditation for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
(Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15)

The prophet Isaiah assures us that God’s words do not come down nor go back empty. Like rainfall, His words come with nourishment and return fruitfulness. Then, how can we render empty words to God in prayer, who even speaks to us with His life in Christ Jesus. Hence, Jesus says in the today’s gospel, “In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Empty words are those that do not come from the heart, or those words that are not in touch with our real life and deepest desires, or words that are not true. Also, we heap up empty phrases when we address God in words that are not true to Him, or when we ask for things that will not bring Him glory. Such empty phrases can come when we seek for vengeance in prayer instead of forgiveness, etc. Prayer must be genuine, with our words flowing from our hearts and minds.

If we can be tempted to address God with empty phrases, how much more readily do we present false selves to others! The fact is if we cannot not relate genuinely with others, unforgiveness, jealousy, etc, will cloud our hearts and, in turn, render our words of prayer empty! Since God knows the secrets of our hearts and our needs even before we pray, and He speaks words of life and divine favour to us, let us set our hearts free to bear fruits of divine glory by being true to one another, and forgiving them of their trespasses. Amen.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Tues March 8th, 2022.
www.soundofsilence.ng
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                    

 

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