We know that words have an effect on us.
There is the spoken word and the written word.
A good spoken word has an echo effect in us and it also resonates in us.
On the other hand, a bad spoken word agitates us and even burns us within.
The written word has a more lasting effect on us, especially in this age of the internet where what is written may not be easily deleted or erased.
In the 1st reading, the apostles and the elders wrote a letter to the Christian community at Antioch to state their decision on the matter at hand.
That letter also encouraged the Christians at Antioch to keep practicing and deepening their faith.
With that letter were also the representatives of the apostles and elders to confirm by word of mouth what was written.
The early Church understood the importance of the spoken and written word.
They spoke and wrote what the Holy Spirit had inspired, and that word brought about encouragement and strengthening of faith.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide and to inspire us to speak and write words that will have a holy effect on others.
By our words, whether spoken or written, others will know who we are and who we believe in.