Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

About Words

All of our readings this Sunday refer to how we use words in our speech. The first reading from Sirach asserts, “The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.” The last words of the Gospel reading are “for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”

What’s in my heart today? How will my words express what is in my heart?

The words we use create our reality. Whatever direction our words lead, our mind, body, and environment follow. Margie Warrell teaches, “The words you speak hold power. Power to create new possibilities or to close them down. Power to build relationships or to damage them. Power to lift people up or to pull them down. Power to fuel your courage or magnify your fear.” The choice is always ours.

Our challenge for this week is to pay attention to our speech. Will those who hear your words think that you have a relationship with God? What do your words reveal about you? About your relationship with others? How do the words we use express our gratitude to God?