the cutting-edge word
“God’s word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword.” —Hebrews 4:12
Like a surgeon’s scalpel, the Word of God cuts to the center of our heart and hits the correct spot. Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1), and “nothing is concealed from Him; all lies bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must render an account” (Heb 4:13). God’s Word is a scalpel and a sword (see Eph 6:17).
We trust ourselves to the care of expert surgeons, to wield their scalpels precisely and effectively. Will we trust ourselves to the scalpel of Jesus, the Living Word? To determine if you trust Jesus the Surgeon, read His Word every day. Let the Word of God operate on you — with major surgery, minor surgery, and cosmetic surgery. “God’s word is living and effective” (Heb 4:12). Yet God’s powerful, mighty Word is a Person, Jesus, Who is sharp as a scalpel and gentle as a Lamb.
Put away your swords of anger, violence, and unforgiveness.Beat them into plowshares, ready to plow the ground of hard human hearts (see Is 2:4). Take up “the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God” (Eph 6:17). The Word of God is sharp, strong, piercing, and mighty, yet sweet, healing, gentle, and encouraging. It cuts to our hearts and divides us from sin (Heb 4:12). We treasure the Word in our hearts to keep us from further sin (Ps 119:11). We reflect upon that Word stored in our hearts (Lk 2:51) so that we will remain rooted in the Lord. Live your lives with devotion to the Word of God, Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Prayer: Father, may I devote my life to making my home in Your Word and sharing it with others (Jn 8:31).
Promise: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” —Ps 19:8
Praise: Janice repented of a promiscuous lifestyle, put her life in the hands of Jesus, and now receives the Eucharist daily.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.