“…for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
How many times have we wished we could take back words hastily spoken? How many words others have said still echo in our hearts? Some of these words lift us up, yet many push us down. I was recently at a restaurant, and I noticed one of the servers had a very unusual hairdo, and I felt prompted to compliment her. She beamed and said thanks, and as she walked away, I noticed she walked a little taller; she had spring in her step and a smile on her face. I think my little comment probably made her day. Words matter; kindness is needed; love is a verb.
“Charity is a necessity. God does not forgive hatred for others since such a one remains in death and in sin. Our Lord again says in the Gospel: Whoever uses abusive language will be condemned [cf. Matthew 5:22]. The same measure that you use against others will be used against you [cf. Matthew 7:2]. If we want mercy for ourselves, we must show mercy [cf. Matthew 5:7].” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard – Instructions to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament – Meditation, November 3, 1858, Paris: Supernatural charity of the heart, of respect, affection, and action).
We sometimes allow anger to take hold and speak for us. The only thing that can drive it away is love. When someone hurts us, the quicker we recognize the exact fallen nature in ourselves, the easier it is to respond with truth and love. This does not mean we say it is ok to say the things they said, but we don’t have to say things we will regret. We take a moment, breathe, and ask God’s love to fill our hearts and overflow.
Let us pray:
Lord, fill us with your love so that every word that comes out of our mouths helps build our Church in unity and love.