The words we speak

From safari….

Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me, a well-known children's rhyme proclaims. The truth is the words we speak and how we speak them are serious business. Our words can crush or inspire, deflate or affirm, they can make someone’s day or do irreparable harm.

Throughout this month our weekend liturgies include selections from the Letter of James. The writer of James reminds us that a person’s behavior and actions determine their character. One commentator writes, “James informs us that such behavior includes our speech. Our wisdom becomes evident in our knowing what and what not to say, especially things better left unsaid.” James compares the damage the tongue can do to the destructive forces of a fire. The enemy of the soul uses uncontrolled speech to divide and destroy. Our speech is often contradictory. One minute we praise God; the next minute the same tongue utters violent and destructive words.

James reminds us that no human being can, on their own, tame the tongue. The only remedy to train the tongue is to submit totally to God’s will. In a world deluged daily with words beyond number ---dumb talk, phony speech, angry words, pointless yakking---God takes an amazing risk. God entrusts the gospel word to our lips to speak the truth in love, to upbuild one another in faith, to speak the good news where there is none.

During these days leading up to the election, attention to our speech will be more important than ever. Arguments will get heated as issues are discussed, sometimes resulting in demeaning words to the other. In this social media age, untruths can quickly be spoken as truth. It is best to check three or four sources to verify the truth of a statement. Engage in civil, reasoned, compassionate, and loving dialogue with others. We will not all agree on the issues and choices facing us as a nation. Just because someone disagrees with us, doesn’t mean they are not our brother or sister in Christ.

Each day will bring the opportunity to be good listeners and to speak words of affirmation and hope. And this will not always be easy. It will require us to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our tongue. This is our most important work, we never know the difference that it might make in someone’s life.

Fr. Ron