Have you ever been afraid of using your voice as a conduit for Christ’s voice in the world? A familiar prayer by St. Teresa of Ávila says, “Christ has no body now but yours,” reminding us that our physical bodies are meant to be used to carry on Christ’s work. We are meant to use our hands, feet, eyes, and entire bodies to care for one another and love one another as Christ did.
But what about our voices?
It seems like a simple extension to the prayer. Christ needs someone to continue to speak aloud his words of justice, love, empathy, and compassion today. After all, if not our voice, then whose?
It is not an easy addition, though. Sometimes to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world feels like a much easier invitation than to be his voice. At least, it does for me. I cannot count the number of times I have hesitated to use my voice to speak up for something or someone because of the fears rolling around in my head.
- What if I say something wrong? Do I really know what needs to be said here?
- What if I misrepresent Christ in this moment? Do I really know what he would say?
- Aren’t there many other, far more worthy, voices than my own out there, whose words will carry more weight than mine or who can say this more eloquently than I can?
- What if I am not brave enough for the totality of what it means to be Christ in the world today?
There were a few years not too long ago when I feared my son would never have access to his unique voice. As he struggled to communicate his needs in those early years, I had to put all my questions and fears aside and use my voice to fight for him. It was a battle that taught me not only the value of having access to one’s voice but the value of using it in service of others. I am overcome with gratitude now every time I have a conversation with my son that gives me a new insight into who he was uniquely created to be. It is a gift I hope I never take for granted.
But using my voice to speak up in order for my son to have access to his, that is an easy ask. He is a part of me, and I am committed 100% to his well-being. The more challenging invitation is to put aside my fears and my questions to use my voice for the neighbor residing outside my tight inner circle. After all, isn’t that what Christ did?
I am praying for the graces I need to recognize and take the opportunities before me to not only be Christ’s body but Christ’s voice in this world. Will you join me?
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com.
