Sharper Than Any Two-edged Sword

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13

Brothers and sisters: Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account.

Reaction: Today I contemplated on the second reading from yesterday’s Mass, which really spoke to me. I know that I have received great joy and peace while praying with the word of God, and this passage reminded me that it indeed alive and effectual. At times the same scripture can mean something totally new on a second or third contemplation, showing the vitality of His word. It is most effective when I am able to apply the message in my everyday life, as when I practice more patience and kindness, or when my worries over the future are calmed by trust in the Lord.

Today I envisioned the two-edged sword piercing my joints and marrow, exposing the positive and negative traits that are stored within me. I saw fear and faith, greed and generosity, pride and humility, selfishness and selflessness all uncovered as the word of God sliced into me. Then I imagined that my negative traits were slowly being cut away, so that the positive traits had room to grow. That, I hope, is how my prayer sessions with the Lord and His word are having an effect on me.