Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Cycle C)

“O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!” - Psalm 8

In ancient Jewish culture, names communicated the essence of a person. In fact most people had a common name and then a true, birth name that only those close to them knew, because speaking someone’s name was believed to be a way to have power over them. For this reason, the name of God was considered so sacred that it was never even spoken out loud, except for once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Many Jews today will still write abbreviated forms of God’s name, like “YHWH” or “G-d” and they will bow their heads even when they think the name of God or address Him in prayer. But in modern mainstream culture, the name of God is thrown around carelessly and taken in vain on a daily basis. Watch any show or movie or listen to any popular song and you will find it difficult to listen without hearing something inappropriate, derogatory or blasphemous. Language has power, and when we use our voice carelessly we can cause hurt, we can harm the reputation of others, and we as Christians can misrepresent our faith to others. I hear more and more people in the Catholic world feel the need to take the Lord’s name in vain or use foul language for dramatic effect, not realizing the way it can rob the dignity from themselves or others. You may hear that statement as prudish, but scripture tells us to have “a well trained tongue,” and emphasizes that the parts of our body all affect the whole, just as the actions of one person’s speech can affect the whole body of Christ. So this week, ask yourself how you can better glorify God, others and yourself by what you say. Try to refrain from language that does not dignify you or others, and try not to consume any media or entertainment that contains it. Know that we are praying for you this week. 

See you in the Eucharist.