Critical Speech

On this Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, we are reminded that the names of Jesus and Mary are sacred and holy, to be treated with reverence and respect. Critical speech, gossip, detraction are grave sins and one of the most prevalent sins in our country today. Yet it does not have to be. Language, speech, words, these are weapons that can kill, but they can also be remedies to a soul that is hurting. Imagine someone getting angry with you and yelling, screaming hateful words. What happens in your soul? Now, imagine how you feel when you hear tender words, words of love and kindness. Words can be that salve for you.

Within marriage especially, words can violate trust and rip asunder that union that you created on your wedding day. Our faith teaches that husbands and wives are united in one flesh and that this union is a mystery, a great mystery, as St Paul says, between Christ and the Church. Christ died for his bride. Husbands are called to die for their wives as well. Just remember how you felt on your wedding day. The heart is pumping, the joy is swelling, the mind is racing to try to comprehend the mystery that you are about to celebrate. The tender words that are spoken to your beloved on that day. Tender words that are loving and fruitful. These are the words that bring joy to your beloved.

Let joy reign in your hearts. Let the love of Christ transform you into a new creation so that you can be holy as your heavenly Father is holy. And bring your beloved to the heart of Christ so that you and your beloved may know the power and majesty of mercy, forgiveness and compassion.