SAINT JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one. 

What is Jesus saying here?   Maybe he’s challenging his opponents’ obsession with ritual cleanliness and table manners.   Or he might be encouraging us to clean up our language.   While both may be true, Jesus is also addressing something much deeper.   Underlying his statement is the truth that the words we say reveal the attitudes of our hearts.

We have all been around people who seem to complain and grumble a lot.   We might not want to admit it, but sometimes we ourselves are the complainers!   But when our speech is peppered with expressions of resentment, negativity, or disappointment, it can be a sign that we are not at peace with God.   The same thing can be true when we compare ourselves with other people or speak enviously of what someone owns or has accomplished.

Fortunately, what’s true for the negative is also true for the positive.   You have certainly known times when you’ve felt particularly close to the Lord.   Maybe you’ve had an especially good time of prayer.   Or maybe you’ve felt deeply forgiven after Confession.   Perhaps you’ve experienced an inner peace following an uplifting conversation with a brother or sister in Christ.   These attitudes will also come out of your mouth!   Your rejoicing heart will speak words of praise and forgiveness to the people around you.   The fruit of the Spirit—love, peace, patience, joy, kindness, gentleness, and self-control—will manifest themselves both in your thoughts and in your conversations.

Jesus’ insight into the close connection between the heart and the mouth is a good one to hold onto.   It’s a simple way to keep track of where your heart is during the day.   When you hear yourself speaking kind and loving words, give praise to God!    When you are complaining or lashing out verbally, stop and look at what’s going on inside you.   As you become more sensitive to these inner attitudes, the Holy Spirit can help you become a brighter reflection of his joy, light, and love.

“Holy Spirit, help me to be attentive to my words and thoughts.   May they always be pleasing to you.”

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm 102:16-23, 29