Words That Bear Fruit

In today’s first reading (Is 55:10-11), God compares His word to the rain and snow that water the earth. He says the water He sends accomplishes a goal, making seeds sprout and crops grow to become bread. Just so, His word always bear fruit, accomplishing the end for which He sent it.

I spent the time before, during and after Mass considering words as communicated through me. I remembered my old days of working in radio. Radio is a very nice job for an introvert – writing by yourself and talking to yourself in front of a microphone in a little room by yourself. You hardly know anyone listens - until someone calls to complain that you sounded too much like a Democrat or a Republican, whichever the caller didn’t like. What was the fruit of my words as a news anchor/reporter? Many of the words were not of good news. They were things that brought fear or anger. Did these words accomplish God’s will? I still pray about the stories I wrote and voiced. I still pray for the people who heard my words.

I have spoken plenty of words to family and friends and people in passing. What were the effects of these words? Did they bear good fruit or bad fruit? I know some of the words fell very badly. Others, I'm told, were encouraging.

And then there are words that I sometimes say to my kids over and over that seem to have no effect – like “Pick up your dirty clothes” and, “Please eat your dinner.”

What about words offered specifically for the Lord? Through volunteer ministry work, I have spoken, taught, written and prayed with many people. What was the effect of these words? Sometimes people tell me immediately that the words were helpful or healing. More often, like when I write or speak to a larger group, I’m not told either way. I pray with encouragement today the word of the Lord will accomplish His intentions.

What about the words you say? Have you said words that were healing? Did you say words that caused pain? I pray for the effect of the words that were spoken. I believe the Lord can go back in time and heal things because He has dominion over time. I pray He causes our words to bear fruit, bringing life and nourishment. I pray we are blessed to speak well so His words within us can never return void.

“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;

It shall not return to me void,

but shall do my will,

achieving the end for which I sent it.”