We begin the gospel of John today. John is the thickest of the gospels. It is narrative, but it is commentary. In fact, as we read it, we’re often not sure if someone in the scene at hand is talking or if it’s some commentator.
Well-placed words are a necessity for good communication. Speaking, talking, reading, listening, interpreting - process we go though with words.
John begins his gospel not by naming Jesus specifically by name, but through imaging him as word.
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Prayer
God,
Communication is hard. I mean, sometimes it’s easy, but it’s pretty hard, too.
In relationships, in writing, in speaking, as parents, as children of parents, as siblings, as people of one culture or another, and in so many other countless ways, communicating is hard.
As I go about this day, help me to communicate well, whether I’m speaking or whether I’m just looking at someone. I want to communicate love and grace and mercy, so help me to do so whether I’m looking at my partner or teaching a child.
Also help me to receive communication well, whether it’s from you or another human. Keep me from distractions that would distract me from hearing others. I confess I can be so distracted. Sometimes my intention to hear somebody by looking directly at them actually makes me miss what they say! It’s frustrating.
So help me to be a patient listener and give me a wise grace to be a welcomed receptor of what people need to be heard.
Like Jesus was and is.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.