From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

…eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. He said: Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. (Ezekiel 2:8-3:4)

SPEAK MY WORDS: As believers, we are called to read or hear Scripture – eat this scroll – and then share the good news with others – speak my words to them.

The depiction of taking in Scripture as eating a scroll is a bit graphic, but it speaks to what is really being asked of us. We are not to be passive when reading Scripture or be inattentive when hearing the Word proclaimed at Mass. On the contrary, we should take it in or consume the Word of God.

What is the difference? When we simply read something, it may or may not be put to use. It could possibly be dismissed or “skimmed” without regard to its beauty or meaning.

However, if we consume God’s Word – if we eat this scroll –  it becomes a part of us. It feeds us and nourishes us. It provides us with the needed energy to go out into the world and preach the gospel — sharing the good news in both word and deed.

In this way, the Word of God becomes a Eucharistic meal – “Take and eat, this is my Body…take and eat, this is my Word.”