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James 1:21 says, "Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls." Do you have the word of God planted in you? Of course you do but the better question is, are you allowing that word to grow within you? Are you sharing that word of God with others? Are you living that word of God everyday? What is the filth in your life? Filth is a nasty word, it figuratively depicts what it describes. When you hear the word filth, what do you think of? If is very descriptive and can conjure up some very horrible images. But that is the point St. James is trying to make. He urges us to put aside the disgusting things in our lives. He is coaxing us to rid ourselves of the garbage that can drag us into bad habits and sin. Filth in our current world can take on many forms. It might be the television shows we watch. It could be an obsession we have like gambling, porn, or gossip. It could be stealing or lying. The devil has many tricks in his arsenal. You need to discern what he is using against you right night and call on the Lord to help you overcome the addiction. Rid yourself of the filth. St. James tells us that the word of God can save our souls. Our Catholic tradition teaches us that the word of God is not only the Bible but much deeper and richer because of the traditions and teachings of the Doctors of the Church. Sacred tradition aids our understanding of the word of God and helps us to receive it properly. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the word of God. Coming to understand Jesus Christ and His teachings allows the word of God to grow within each of us. The Apostles of Jesus realized this and began to teach after Jesus' death and resurrection. The word of God only lives on as long as we are willing to share it with others. It remains active when we use it to pierce the hearts of non-believers. It comes alive when we use it to inspire our fellow believers. St. James urges us to remain unstained by the world He is reinforcing what the word of God told us. We should be in this world but not of it. We should not allow ourselves to be surrounded by filth and we should not help wickedness to grow. We must become the sharp sword that cuts through the rank and filth so that everyone can hear the word of God. Allow the implanted word to save your soul today.

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