We are blessed with an amazing gift; let’s be mindful and use it responsibly to build others and to spread love.

Gospel – John 12:44-50
Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.” - The Gospel of the Lord

Reflection
Have you come across people cracking a joke at someone’s expense, saying everything they want to say and then casually shrugging it all off with “I was just joking!” A joke can be like a thorn and it’s not always funny; we will never know the real impact ‘a joke’ may have on someone’s heart or mind.

It is said that a spoken word is like an arrow; once it is released, it can never be pulled back. Hence we have to be sensitive and mindful about our words. The manner and tone in which we speak can also make a world of difference. An arrow shot without proper aim can cause irreparable damage; so also, harsh careless words can grievously wound a person’s mind and heart. Though the impact of sarcastic or unkind words cannot be seen, if closely observed, the pain is clearly visible in the eyes of the person at the receiving end. These silent wounds are dangerous as they can fester and destroy the spark of life and joy within someone. As James says, Does anyone think he is religious? If he does not control his tongue, his religion is worthless and he deceives himself. (James 1:26)

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us that His words are not his own but the words of His Heavenly Father. We know that Jesus always submitted to the will of His Father due to which his actions and his words were always aligned to Him. And as Peter declared, Jesus had the life giving words of eternal life. (See John 6:68, 1 John 4:7-8)

Being disciples and ambassadors of Christ in this world, how do we use our words? Are they hurtful or are they life giving? Jesus says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks?” (Matthew 12:34b) God is love, so being aligned to God will ensure His love flows through all that we do and say. If God lives in our heart then our words will always echo his virtues.

The tongue has the power to bless and to wound. With the same mouth that praises the Lord, we cannot curse the ones He has created. And still worse, we must not do or say anything that defiles or hurts the sacred Spirit that resides in us. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. (James 3:10) “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37)

We are blessed with the gift of speech. Guided by the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit let us use this gift responsibly to bring praise and glory to God. The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me His word is upon my tongue. (2 Samuel 23:2)

Let us pray
Dear Lord, thank you for blessing us with the ability to speak. Forgive us for the times we have taken this gift for granted or misused it to hurt others, knowingly or unknowingly. Help us to strive to use our words wisely and sensibly with your grace and through them reflect your love to others. May our speech build and uplift others. We ask this in the mighty, holy and precious name of Jesus – Amen!
God bless you!

(Reference verses: Matthew 10:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 4:6)

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Audio Credit: Ms. Anita Lewis