Words Matter

Tonight is opening night.

As is customary before the big performance, the whole company of thespians gathered for morning Mass. At the close of Mass, Father Derick offered extra prayers and encouragement to all the cast and crew. He knew of all the extra hours and late nights these students and adults had poured out, especially over the past week. His excitement, his zeal, for the play was apparent. He declared that the production would be “fire,” with two finger snaps added for emphasis.

I could visibly see how Father‘s words ignited the students’ hearts and confidence levels. What a cherry-on-top to an already wonderful time of worship together. Words matter.

This weekend’s play may not be one that you’ve heard of, but the true story behind the play had roots not far from many of us in Ottawa, Illinois, as well as in New Jersey. During the 1920s, women painted luminous dials on watches, and many of them started getting very sick. After much health investigation and legal arbitration, lasting over a period of 13 years, the courts finally ruled that radium in the paint was a poisonous substance. Furthermore, employers were responsible for the health and safety of their employees.

Throughout this ongoing conflict, the media (newspapers) hindered the young dial painters’ case. Public opinion was swayed by headlines and, as a result, no guilt was associated with the Radium companies. At other times, the powerful media showed its strong arm and rallied public outcry against the Radium companies. The media, specifically the words in the newspapers, helped the Radium Girls’ case. The words were stronger when they carried truth. Words mattered. 

We’ve heard a lot from St. Paul in his letter to the Romans this week in our readings. St. Paul was THE MEDIA of his day, and Jesus was his channel. Jesus chose Paul to be a light to the Gentiles. And wow, did Paul go out to where the people were. His voice traveled far. He spoke to Greeks and Romans, and he was able to provide words that presented sound Christian doctrine that preached and reached many. Even when he was in jail, Paul professed his faith and wrote letters to those around him. We read many of those words in the Bible today. His words mattered. 

I love witnessing the powerful goodness of words, either written or spoken. It’s why I enjoy both reading and writing. Words matter. And I think I can reasonably state that words matter more when they contain truth. Words matter the most when they are inspired by God. Like St. Paul’s writing, like the Bible. Like your own words you are inspired to share today. Words matter.

And God is the ultimate superlative.