God's Words are Spoken in the Language of Love
Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Iz 55:10-11)
Isaiah reading, the background for Jesus' parable of the sower, arose about 550 years before Christ. Obviously, knowledge about the world was different from ours then, also in what concerns natural phenomena: rain, snow and its origin. But this text is not only about knowledge, but first and foremost about wisdom flowing from faith in God, who protects the world he creates. And he does not leave it alone, cares for it and sees it growth.
The prophet Isaiah compares the image of earth and plant irrigation with rain and snow to the effectiveness of God's word. Just as rain and snow irrigate the soil, maintaining vegetation, fertilize and ensures fertility, so the word of God sown in the soul of man gives life. And it never remains fruitless.
The Hebrew term “dabar”, used here, means "word" and "deed, action." Behind this meaning lies an important idea: the word has great power - the word can hurt more than a sword, but also build better than with bricks. God's word has creative power (God speaks, and it becomes), but also saving power. God can change the world and life of each of us through his word. But what harvest will it produce in us and how will we respond?
Let's consider what it means when someone hears the word of God but does not understand it at all. For example, if you speak Spanish to me and I don't know the language, I won't understand you. To understand someone's words, you need to know the language in which they are spoken.
This also applies to God's word. God's word was spoken in the language of love. To understand God's word at least a little, you need to know the language of love at least a little. Because if everything else matters to me, but not another person; if my own comfort is my god and I will never give it up to help a needy person, then God's word will be completely incomprehensible to me.
The word of God can only be understood by those who, even if they do not succeed, at least try to live according to the program of love. Active openness to others, sensitivity to human poverty and needs, helping my neighbor when it is not easy for me - it is like a plow that plows my land and makes me capable of accepting God's Word.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george