Daily Bible Reflections - January 1,2013

THE POWER OF WORDS

 

The Lord bless you and keep you! — Numbers 6:24

 

Two altar boys lived in two different cities, serving in two different churches, but both of them wanted to become priests.

Both of them had the exact same experience. One altar boy was late for Mass. Because he was in a hurry to do everything he needed to do, he accidentally hit the chalice that contained the wine.

After the Mass, the priest called the boy and shouted, “Get out of here! You’ll never serve as an altar boy again!”

At another church, the other altar boy was also late for Mass. And he, too, hit the chalice that contained the wine, pouring it onto the red carpet. After the Mass, the priest, who happened to be a bishop, called the altar boy and said, “Hey, everybody makes mistakes. I’m clumsy, too. And you know what? Maybe you’ll become a priest, too,” and he chuckled.

Thirty years later, the second altar boy became Archbishop Fulton Sheen, one of the most loved religious leaders in America. And the other altar boy? He became Joseph Tito, an atheist and the ruthless dictator of Yugoslavia.

Words are powerful. They can heal or bless. They can encourage or destroy. This year, start the habit of blessing others with your words and be blessed, too. For what you give, you receive. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

Reflection: Do your words bless others or destroy them?

 

Bless my thoughts, Lord, that I may speak only words that bless, not destroy, others.

 

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God