COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

This need not be so.

How many times have we regretted words that we have spoken? Why did I say that rude thing, criticize so harshly, hurl that biting comment? Why did I curse, gossip, or flat out lie? Our tongue can be a world unto itself that “no man can tame” (James 3:8). But before we give in to discouragement, let’s take hold of St. James’ assurance that “this need not be so” (3:10). You are not doomed to a lifetime with an unbridled tongue. God will help you!

Remember, God, who is all-good, created you in his image and likeness with a tongue. That little member is meant to tell of God’s goodness and to nurture the life of those around you. He gave it to you to help you express joy as you recall his goodness (Psalm 126:1-3). He also wants you to use it to rejoice in others’ accomplishments and encourage them. And when you experience forgiveness, he wants your tongue to offer heartfelt thanks (and relief) to the Lord who always forgives.

Every time you praise and thank God, you are training your tongue. And every time you speak kind words to someone, you also are training your tongue. So when fear, bitterness, or criticism boils up in you, stop briefly and thank God for his power to work in the very situation that is causing such thoughts. Then ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with heartening words to share. Even when you’re not facing a tough situation, you can offer someone a word of encouragement, such as, “You’re doing a great job.”

It takes perseverance, but God will give you the grace to develop new habits of thought and speech. The more often you praise and thank him, the more your tongue becomes trained to bless his goodness rather than to bewail the darkness. And the more often you try to build up others, the more natural it becomes. God will not leave you to struggle on your own. Trust him to give you a tongue that brings his blessing and his peace wherever you are.

“Lord, watch over my thoughts and help me to guard my tongue.”

Psalm 12:2-5, 7-8
Mark 9:2-13
James 3:1-10