SAINT JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Take with you words, and return to the Lord. 

“Talk is cheap.” “Names will never hurt me.” In a world where sayings like these are often thrown around, the prophet Hosea—who lived around 750 BC—tells us something very different. When the people of Israel had fallen into idolatry, God sent Hosea to them with a simple message. God wasn’t demanding a grand gesture or a costly sacrifice from them. Instead, he simply asked them to speak to him: “Take with you words, and return to the Lord” (Hosea 14:3). He asked them to give voice to their heartfelt repentance and their longing to be restored to him.

Hosea’s message is a moving reflection of how deeply God desires a living relationship with his people. He makes it clear that returning to the Lord does more than wipe our slate clean. It also opens up a process of healing between those who love one another.

Take with you words. Isn’t that at the heart of the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Every Confession is meant to be a sacred encounter in which we can speak words that heal wounds in our relationship with God. What kind of words? Not necessarily the most eloquent or impassioned words, but the most open and honest ones. Words that reflect our desire to put aside whatever has caused a rift between us and the Lord.

Many parishes will have expanded opportunities for Confession this season—so make plans to go! But before you do, ask the Spirit to help you be forthright, clear, and direct in your language. Ask for the courage to name your sins, even if you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Believe that if you bring words of humility and repentance, the Lord himself will respond with words of mercy, comfort, and healing.

God doesn’t want us to wallow in guilt, just as he didn’t want the Israelites to be lost in their sin. He doesn’t want to burden you with shame; he wants to set you free so that you can live as the beloved child you truly are.

Let’s all bring our words to the Lord so that he can bring us his healing, reconciling love!

“Holy Spirit, help me to speak words of truth and humility and love as I confess my sins.”

Hosea 14:2-10
Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mark 12:28-34