The title of Christ, Word of God made flesh, reminds us that by God’s loving word we were created and then in Christ we each became a new creation. Our words are also significant, shaping attitudes and actions, so we might reflect on our private and public discourse, holding our leaders and ourselves accountable for speaking truth with life-serving reverence and respect. Recent disagreements over policy and military, social and political strategies have resulted in name-calling and personal insults, preventing reasonable discussion and debate among our civic leaders and eroding public confidence. On a personal level, we might consider how often we label someone as one of “those people,” someone different and, therefore, distant from ourselves. Expressive and effective, our words can foster peace or discord within ourselves, in our families and our various communities. May we follow our Blessed Mother’s example, pondering what God has done for us and living our gratitude.