Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (08th February, 2018) on the Gospel
1Kgs 11:4-13;
Ps 105:3-4.35-37.40. (R. v.4);
Mk 7:24-30.
Topic: Guard your tongue.
In the region of Tyre, Jesus entered a house and did not wish
anyone to know. But when a Gentile woman of Syrophoenician origin whose daughter
had an unclean spirit heard of Him, she came a bowed down at His feet and
begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. Jesus said to her, “Let the
children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw
it to the dogs.” She replied, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the
children’s crumbs.” On hearing this, Jesus said to her, “For saying that, you
may go–the demon has left your daughter.”
Often we see ourselves saying what should not out of anger
forgetting the words of the Psalmist, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin
with my tongue; I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my
presence” (Ps 39:1). An unguarded
tongue brings to ruin, cf. Ps 64:8. The
book of Proverbs reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and
those who love it will eat its fruits” (Prov
18:21).
Tongue is for the singing of God’s praise, cf. Ps 119:172; Rom 14:11; Phil 2:11.
Hence, we read from the book of Proverbs, “The tongue of the righteous is choice
silver” (Prov 10:20a). Again, “The
mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom” (Prov 10:31a; cf. Prov 12:18. 15:2).
Although it is not easy to guard the tongue, yet “He that
would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his
lips from speaking guile” (Jas 3:8; 1Pt 3:10). Sometimes we think we can
get things by speaking harshly but the bible rightly tells us, “With patience a
ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone” (Prov 25:15). Remember the last words of
Jesus to the Gentile woman in today’s gospel, “For saying that, you may go–the demon has left your daughter”. Let
us go and imitate this noble woman.
Bible Reading: Jas 3:1-12.
Thought for today: Select your words carefully especially when annoyed.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be always in
control of ourselves – Amen.
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