A Letter from Fr. Paul - Sunday, February 27th

Our first reading this weekend contains a lot of wisdom.  We hear Sirach say, one’s faults [appear] when one speaks…one’s speech discloses the bent of one’s mind…praise no one until he speaks, for it is then that people are tested.
 
As we listen to politicians speak these days, read what people say and post on social media, and listen to the fallout that occurs, it is obvious that Sirach was right on. So much is said without thought, both as to its truth and to the consequences that will follow. We need to think carefully before we speak.  Some possible questions to ask ourselves before we say something or post something on social media:

1. Is what I say true?  Am I sure that it is accurate?
2. Will it bring peace and happiness or the opposite?
3. Do I need to say this?  Is there a positive value? What will it accomplish?
4. Why do I want to say this?  To make me look better? To help the other person? To clarify something? To get revenge? To put someone down?

 
Jesus reinforces this with the last words that we hear in our Gospel this weekend: A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. I invite us to reflect this week on what comes out of my mouth?  Am I making the world better or bringing about unhappiness? How can I do better at making sure I am “producing good”?  God bless.
 
Church sign of the week: It is better to be silent and be considered a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.