What should be said and what should be left unsaid? Mom’s advice was always, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.”
We all know how easily negative comments slip out of our mouths; sharp words that are hard to put back. Yet in Christ we are given boldness to speak what is right and true and good: words of kindness, understanding and compassion. The key is that the words are in Christ and not from our ego.
After a long wait in line, can we comment on the cashier’s beautiful name? Or on another occasion say, “Let’s see what’s next” rather than quickly passing judgment about a news event? Can we focus on the essence of our gathering rather than being critical of the food that didn’t quite turn out?
Pause a moment before you speak, realigning your words in Christ; then be bold in speaking words that build up the Kingdom of God.
Peggy, I am praying for you and your best friend. I once had a heartbreaking fallout with my best friend from first grade, but I am happy to say that today we are probably closer than we have ever been. Texting can often be misinterpreted by one or both parties but perhaps time will help heal the divide that took place. A small portion of a poem I wrote re: hope might provide some comfort for you at this very difficult time. Allow hope to emerge at the intersection of love and faith like a flame rising up from a fire For the warmth it creates will then bathe you in peace offering all the solace your soul may require
Thank you so much, Mary Beth. Your words and sincere concern give me hope. God bless you.
Thank you for your very important words this morning, Jennifer. I wonder if reading this beautiful message would have changed the outcome of a text conversation with my oldest friend from Second grade. Unfortunately it was politically and I really tried to use my words carefully, but I am afraid I have lost a friend forever. My heart hurts so bad that I just cry all the time. How did we get this way that we aren’t able to have a civil conversation without becoming enemies. Dear Lord Jesus, please bring my BFF back to me and may her heart soften and realize that love conquers all divisions. Thank you LFF for your continued prayers for all who need extra strength and loving interest. Thank you Lord Jesus for another day of life in Your Love.
Thank you, thank you Pam! I will do as you suggest ed And pray for the best outcome. Friendship is golden and worth keeping cultivated and understood. You’re a keeper, my birthdate sibling!
Peggy R...Oh, I know your heart is breaking. There are nine of us girls that all graduated from the same high school, three of us from Kindergarten ~ all Forever Friends. There are 2 others that are vehemently opposed to one of this year's Presidential candidates. We have tried conversations as a group, but it was actually frightening to see tempers flare up to such an intensity, that we no longer even hint at a political comment when we're all together. Go ahead and cry, it washes away the sadness in your soul, give it a few more days, and then send another text message, tell your friend you miss her and while you both have far ranging political opinions, the loss of her friendship is more than a political argument. As we continue to hear "Let's agree to just disagree", stay close to God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words, the only One to put words in your mouth that matter! May God Bless & heal your broken heart.
Jennifer thank you for reminding me to think before I speak. Your reflections always make me think. Living faith family. Padre Pio's saying for today. "The angels are jealous of us for one reason only they are not able to suffer for God only through suffering can a soul say with certainty by God you see I do love you." Wisdom of the saints. "Acquired the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with him familiarity and confidence and love as to the dearest and most loving of friends" Saint Alphonsus Liguori Ken
Earlier this year, I was in a hurry when a guy came up to me and asked for help. He looked like he was in a bad way. But I said no and continued on my distracted way. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was being called on by the Lord to help in some small way. I felt really bad about that, but my chance passed and I couldn't correct what I did at that time. Shortly after I purchased a gift card to a popular fast food restaurant and wrapped a small amount of money around it. It still sits in my wallet, but I am ready. This is what Jennifer and today's gospel are talking about. We never know when the Lord is going to ask for our help, no matter how small. A kind work and a smile can go a long way.
Lou had a pastor who suggested something similar with gift card,but also said to ask the person their name and tell them you will pray for them and also ask them to pray for you. Ken
Oh Jennifer, you speak to my judgmental heart today! Thank you, may the Lord soften it and may I approach others with positive intent. I loved….Let’s see what’s next. Taking the pause and redirecting my inner voice is critical for me. Thank you. Also, thanks for sending the info on Saints yesterday. Blessings for today to the LFF community and all those they are praying for. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Indeed, "The key is that the words are in Christ and not from our ego!" *** Telling the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15a) can be tricky especially when it comes to sin, especially sin of idolatry (the worship of something or someone other than God as if it were God!!! See Exodus 20:4-5) Do you tell them that it is sin or you just tell them Jesus loves them whether they continue in sin or not? *** "BUT GOD" in John 14:26, "But the Father will send the Friend in My Name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you!" *** The earthly wisdom tells us to give trophies to every child who participated and don't say anything to upset anyone. The heavenly wisodm tells us to discipline (discipline means training) our children in God's Word (Thank you Ken for serving/leading the 2nd graders :-) in Deuteronomy 6:5-9, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your strength. The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses. Also write them on your gates!" ******* Jesus' prayer in John 17:14-17, "I have given them Your Word. The world has hated them. That’s because they are not part of the world any more than I am. I do not pray that you will take them out of the world. I pray that you will keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to it. Use the truth to make them holy. Your Word is truth!" *** Only Jesus - Here is the truth that no one can come to God the Father except through God the Son, Jesus, in John 14:6-7, "Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father also. From now on, you do know Him. And you have seen Him.” *** Do you know Jesus, God the Son? *** Do you know God the Father? ******* Do you know God's Word?!?!?!
Truth Be Told by Matthew West and Carly Pearce https://youtu.be/xC2wk1w09U8?si=K0IQu-8wIge6hb8P
1 Corinthians 13:6-8a, "Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy (of the Lord that is) when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never fails!"
Beautiful reflection, Jennifer, and a gentle reminder to always think before we speak. Kindness can have a ripple effect! :)
Agree totally. I always read James 3 when the topic of our words comes up for discussion.
I apologize for being absent this week. I am at a retreat & pilgrimage in Fatima, Portugal. A very special place. The retreat has been wonderful & thought provoking. It is sponsored by Dynamic Catholic, cannot say enough good things about that organization. Have a Blessed day!
Oh Irene!!! I contemplated going to that and cannot wait to hear about your experience. Plus I think Matthew and maybe one of his kids went on the trip. How fabulous. Sending prayers to you.
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Amen...I loved everyone's comments and contributions today...God bless