THE WORD
Jer 7, 23-28/Lk 11, 14-23
Jesus was driving out a demon (that was) mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed.
Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.
But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
But if it is by the fi nger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Words: some spoken; some unspoken.
In the Chinese Filipino school where I am missioned, we made a study on how the news aboutour school got around. With the dwindling population among the Chinese Filipino schools, weneeded to know how best to advertise the school.
I was surprised at the result: it was primarily by word of mouth.
I, therefore, made repeated appeals, among the employees and parents to be conscious withwhat they say about the school. Any trivial comment that’s circulated becomes a de ning characteristic, even if the school has more than enough news about its successes -- nationally and internationally. Bad news gets around with more gusto than any good news, as anyone with a personalexperience may confirm.
The school can opt to have a very expensive PR (Public Relations) group to sell it to the world.However, the best way to “sell” it will still be by being the best school it could be: teachers teachingwell; offi ce staff effi cient; janitors clearing the spaces clean. Everybody should be doing the job inthe best possible way. After all, what we do is not only work. It is a mission.
Margaret Thatcher is quoted to have said: Greatness is like being a lady. If you spend too muchtime convincing others that you are, then you are not.Yes, the mute speaks!
- Fr. Vic Rayco, SVD | SJCS, Manila
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
