Fifty-six years ago last week the gates of the concentration camp at Auschwitz were thrown open and the world began to learn the full horrors of what happened during the Hitler years. Hitler is a prime example of the power of words. He was the perfect demagogue. He was able to turn words into vehicles of absolute evil. But words can also be used for good. In tomorrow's Gospel we read how Jesus had the crowds pressing around him listening to the word of God (Luke 5:1). And in last Sunday's Gospel St Luke narrates how those listening to Jesus were "astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips." (Luke 4:21) The beginning of St John's Gospel talks says that the Word was with God. Words are unique to humans. We are the only animals who talk and words set us apart from the rest of the animal world in a special way. Have you ever been in the company of someone who has made you feel important? They give you the feeling that you are the most important person in the world. That happens through the use of words. We can use words to build up people, to express gratitude, to thank people. Words can have an extraordinary power to do good. But they can also be used to knock people, to hurt, to denigrate. We can use words to cut people apart and to insult them and terrorise them. When it comes to funerals we are forever using words to praise and compliment people. But why do we have to leave it till they are dead? What good it then? Every word we use has meaning and words create a mood, they play a significant role in shaping atmospheres. And we can never take back our words, We might be able to say sorry and correct aspects of what we say, but we can never call our words back. It has been said and is there forever. At times we may not at all be conscious of the power of the word. Every word counts. Those who control the media wield great power, they can use it for good or bad. But it is the surefire proof of the significance of words when one thinks of the power that the owners of the media have. Influential, powerful people always express an interest in owning a newspaper of a television or radio station. The media play an important role in shaping and influencing society. Think of the millions that are spent in advertising. Words shape our lives. It is for each one of us to make sure that we use words to offer support and encouragement to one another. And as Christians we have a special responsibility to use our words to further the Word of God on earth.
It is also our responsibility to make sure that those who control the media are in search of all that is truthful and honest. At times we might be inclined to say, well, it's just a word. Words merit more; they are powerful expressions of what we are and who we are. Words shape our being. And on that point we seem to have reached an all-time low when it comes to bad language. Again there are those who say they are only words and mean nothing. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bad language plays a role in brutalising us and making us vulgar. Just think of the times we use bad language. It is an insult to the power of the word to say that bad language has no meaning. The Gospels talk of the Word of God. It's our privilege and challenge to emulate the Word of God on earth. Fifty-six years after the liberation of the people of Auschwitz, are we any closer to realising the power of words - for good and evil?