One of the major public points of discussion this week has centred on the word sorry. Some have been waiting to hear that word from the national government for many years. To hear that word is important because it is symbolic, it’s a word that needs to be said because it represents a new beginning. In the Australian historical context it is a word that must come from the heart.

 Some have suggested that words are only gestures and that ceremony is not enough. They argue that words need to be matched by practical actions; specific health, housing or educational programs for example. Few would deny the importance of tangible expressions of reconciliation and the urgency of what needs to be done but does this detract from the power and effectiveness of words? Should we hold our tongues and say nothing?

 I have always been intrigued by verses 10-11 from Psalm 55. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven...watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, yielding seed for the sower, and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, it will achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

In the biblical tradition words represent power and affect change. For us it is important to find the right word, the appropriate word for special moments in people’s lives. Liturgical events and ceremony are also important because they express in gestures and visible form what we are trying to say. Words in any story or narrative have the power to reveal the truth of human community, how we covenant together, how we mark new beginnings and accept obligations.

In the poetical sense word in the bible is truth, is a light, gives life, grants understanding, carries power, evokes trust and obedience, and is the object of hope. It achieves a purpose.

This past week the word sorry has gone out and may it achieve the purpose for which it was sent.

Rev Dr Dean Eland
Associate Minister

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