Language of the Heart
(Translation of Irish article which appeared in the Jan - Mar 2009 issue of VOX magazine.)
What the word Vox means in Latin is voice. It can be seen in the stamp above, Vox Hibernae – the voice of the Irish and their story being spread from Cashel of the Kings to places throughout the world. The voice of the Irish is their native language spoken by our forefather, Irish, a language of spirit and meaning especially for those who were and are comfortable speaking it (her).
When we think of the peoples throughout the world and the amount of languages that are spoken every day, it is difficult to understand that the word of God came to the nations in their native or heart language. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit gave power to the Apostles to speak in many languages. Since then, God Himself has been adding to his church throughout the world as long as people are listening and responding to the good news that is being written and encouraged in their native tongue.
We are fortunate here in Ireland that we have the bible in our heart language, that is the language closest to our upbringing and heritage, the language spoken by our forefathers. In this day and age there is a great growth occurring in our language and culture especially among young people. John 6:63 says: “the word of God is spirit” – there is every possibility that the spirit of those words would impact the spirit of our culture and language such that Ireland would again become a nation not only of scholars but of saints as we grow in self-confidence and faith.
In conclusion, we would like to include some Irish language articles in this magazine. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please contact us.
“May the Word of God live in your heart such that you would grow in wisdom (Col 3:16)
By Cormac Mac Fhionnlaoich
