Alleluia    (Heb 4:12)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
 The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.
 R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God’s word has always been described as sharper than a two-edged sword. The Letter to the Ephesians says that the word of God is the only offensive weapon that we have ("Put On the Whole Armor of God"--Ephesians 6:11-18): “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Unfortunately, too often the word of God has been used to hurt people and to justify all our basest instincts from human slavery to the death penalty. Perhaps instead of being used by us, the word of God can help us to better know our own hearts and lead us to our brothers and sisters in need.