Words
“Mary was the voice of the Word.” (Father Matthew Kauth in “The Imitation of Saint Joseph” at page 174).
I have been reflecting on the power of my words.
Saint Faustina reflected on the offences caused by her tongue, for which she would be called to atone. She took very seriously the sins of the words that she committed. Saint Jacinta of Fatima became very distressed when people around her swore. She would often ask whether they realised ow terrible a sin it would be to swear when such a bad word could result in their being damned. Following her visions of Hell as granted to her by the Blessed Virgin, the little Saint worked tirelessly to atone for sins and save sinners from Hell. And she understood in a very real way the impact that sins such as sins of word and thought could destroy the peace of souls for all eternity. She knew that each offence was punishable by eternal damnation and that it was only through the loving Mercy of God that we could be saved.
I have been reflecting on the use of words. For words have such power to heal and destroy. Words used wisely can inspire others and lead them to God, but when used for gossip or offence, words can murder and pillage and kill. Words have the power to lead whole hoards of souls to Hell. I have heard it said that a priest who is holy will lead a thousand souls to Heaven, but if he is sinful, he will lead a thousand into Hell. It is for this reason that we are called to pray for priests. After all, they are the target of much temptation because the risk for the Evil One in allowing a good priest to bring others to God is so great that those priests become the particular target of evil.
And my words are powerful too. The Saints were able to show Christ through all of their words and deeds. In fact, one of the signs of sanctity is that the person lived a holy life. And one of the ways to show this holiness, is the choice of words that the person used.
And the greatest Saint is the Blessed Virgin. The Blessed Virgin used words in a way that were holy and inspired only love. In fact, she was the voice of the Word of God while He was in her womb…
“When Mary's voice landed on the fetal ears of [John] the Baptist, he was called. He was sanctified. Mary was the voice of the Word. John was to become that voice, crying in the desert. He transformed his mouth into a sharp sword. John would clear the path with that sword. The path to each man's heart was filled with nettles and briars, overgrown with thorns and hardened by constant commerce. John would clear the way and prepare the ground...John did not begin by preaching. He prepared his preaching by silence.” (Father Matthew Kauth in “The Imitation of Saint Joseph” at page 174).
And I have been thinking about that today – for words are more important than I thought…
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.
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