Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Fr. Ruel Lero, SVD – Holy Name University, Bohol
Thursday 10th Week in Ordinary Time
One time, I was invited to take lunch with the family of a friend to celebrate her birthday. I accepted the invitation particularly due to her 94-year old grandmother. I met her already earlier and I saw how seeing and talking to priests delight her.
While I was eating, the grandmother (Lola) was brought in and seated beside me. She said, “Father, kumain ka pa.” I, however, declined telling her, “Busog na po ako.” But lola insisted “Kahit ‘yung mga dessert na lang.” So I said, “Lola, nag-iingat po ako sa sugar.”
Lola kept quite for a while, and then surprised me with a GENTLE remark, “Sabagay, ang taba mo na!” to which I replied, “Aray, ang sakit naman nu’n!” Then we both laughed.
Our words have power and potential in them. They can build a person, but they can also destroy. They can encourage, but they can also discourage. They can please, but they can also hurt. They can give life, but they can also kill.
If there is such a thing called “custody of the eyes,” there is also“custody of the mouth” and this is one of the important counsels from the Lord in the Gospel today.
Let us refrain from uttering unkind words. Rather, let our words be encouraging and life-giving and let our words express not curse but prayers and blessings. If we have nothing good to say, better not say it rather than offend and regret afterwards.
One comment