Conversion in Our Speech

We have entered the sacred season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter, and a moment for us to turn back to the Lord. During this time, we might examine our consciences and identify different areas in our life where we need conversion and greater conformity to Christ. One of those areas might be how we speak to others and the language we use.

There is a story associated with one of the Catholic saints, who, I’m not sure, because it’s been attributed to a few. The point is more important. When someone brought up gossip, the priest sent the individual to the top of a nearby hill, rip open a feather pillow, and then he was to return for the second instruction. Upon returning to the priest, he said, now I want you to go and find all the feathers. His point was that the words we say about others can spread like feathers in the wind, and we don’t know who will hear what we have said about another person.

There are different areas of our speech we can address. Gossip would be the first. When it comes to gossip, there are two types: detraction and calumny. Detraction, called back biting years ago, is when we say something that is true about another person but that it really isn’t necessary to say. In that way we detract from the person’s reputation. Calumny would be vicious speech in which we either say something we believe to be true which it isn’t or we make something up about another person.

In the conversations we have, we might be tempted to tell a lie, and distort the truth. They could be small white lies, half-truths, or altogether something false. We might also use language which isn’t proper either by swearing or using blasphemous speech when we take God’s name in vain with the careless use of saying “Oh God” or using the name of the savior. Our words might also take on an uncharitable nature by saying hateful things (like racist talk) or wanting to intentionally hurt another person by our words. And even sometimes, our lack of speaking up to defend someone or something might be an area where conversion is needed, praying for the courage to defend another.

We all probably have been guilty of one of these sins of the tongue. But with God’s help and grace, we can address them and grow in virtue. Let us be more mindful of our speech and look for moments where we can minimize these sins of the tongue. May we always say the good people need to hear and use our words to proclaim the praises of God.

Rev. Edward Looney pastors the Catholic communities of Brussels and Lincoln/Rosiere. He is the author of A Heart Like Mary’s: 31 Daily Meditations




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