Letters or Words?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Political peace won’t come without spiritual peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

If ever I doubt your magnificence, let me see mountains.
If ever I doubt your wisdom, let me consider trees.
If ever I doubt your glory, let me try to imagine the number of galaxies.
If ever I doubt your grace, let me recall my failings.
If ever I doubt your love, let me watch a mother care for her child.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“It’s a large crowd, so I hope Peter isn’t running the sound system.”


[Or interpreting? But no, He didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Person of Letters or of Words?

We sometimes read of a “person of letters.” Let me quibble with that phrase. For letters, in the smaller sense of the word, are nothing unless they convey words (unless l-e-t-t-e-r-and-s become “letters”). And “letters” in the larger sense are worthless unless they express something meaningful, and clearly.

In contrast to letters, words are remarkable, miraculous really. No wonder we attribute them to divinity as the original source. No wonder the gospel of John identifies Jesus as the ultimate Word from God. He conveys meaning. He speaks clearly through voice and deed. He reveals the divine to those of us who are often blind and deaf to the holiness around us. As the Word, He can teach us the power and the miracle of words.