Aug 31, 2010 Tuesday: Daily Homily
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Words are only syllables, but they do have power to affect our spirit. With choice words, we can make someone laugh, cry, or hurt. There were some choice words thrown at Our Lord in the gospel today:
"I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” These were not words said with respect or honor, but rather a snide remark. These words were thrown at him by a man with unclean demon. Then with power and authority Jesus rebuked him, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" After the demon departs, all witnessing this were amazed and said, "What is there about his word?"
So what do we do when evil words are spoken against us? The following advice is from the Imitation of Christ written by Thomas a Kempis.
He advises us to stand firm and trust in Jesus for what are words but only wind. If we are innocent, then we will gladly suffer such words for the love of God. If, on the other hand, we are guilty, determine willingly to make amends. It is a small matter for us to put up with few words uttered in haste when we are yet unable to bear hard blows.
Why are we affected by people's words? He says because we are still worldly and are we are eager to please others that we take such little things to heart. When we resent being corrected for our faults and seek shelter in excuses, it is because we are afraid of being despised. Search our soul carefully and we will discover that the world is still strong in us, as well as that impossible desire to please others.
We take confidence in Our Lord instead who judges not according to outward appearances or by the way things look to humans, but by what the Lord esteem praiseworthy.
Words are only syllables, but they do have power to affect our spirit. With choice words, we can make someone laugh, cry, or hurt. There were some choice words thrown at Our Lord in the gospel today:
"I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” These were not words said with respect or honor, but rather a snide remark. These words were thrown at him by a man with unclean demon. Then with power and authority Jesus rebuked him, "Be quiet! Come out of him!" After the demon departs, all witnessing this were amazed and said, "What is there about his word?"
He advises us to stand firm and trust in Jesus for what are words but only wind. If we are innocent, then we will gladly suffer such words for the love of God. If, on the other hand, we are guilty, determine willingly to make amends. It is a small matter for us to put up with few words uttered in haste when we are yet unable to bear hard blows.
Why are we affected by people's words? He says because we are still worldly and are we are eager to please others that we take such little things to heart. When we resent being corrected for our faults and seek shelter in excuses, it is because we are afraid of being despised. Search our soul carefully and we will discover that the world is still strong in us, as well as that impossible desire to please others.
We take confidence in Our Lord instead who judges not according to outward appearances or by the way things look to humans, but by what the Lord esteem praiseworthy.
