Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (09th July, 2019) on the
Gospel
Gen 32:23-33;
Ps 16:1-3.6-8.15. (R. v.15);
Matt 9:32-38.
Topic: Tongue: A blessing or a curse?
Today’s gospel is comprised of two sections, the healing of a
mute demoniac (Matt 9:32-34) and
Jesus’ ministry in unnamed cities and villages (Matt 9:35-38). Our reflection will base on the first section in
which one who had been mute spoke when Jesus cast out the demon. The crowds
were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.”
Although often taken for granted, this miracle is a reminder
that the ability to speak is a gift from God. And there is need to appreciate
every part and function of the body.
The capability of speech is beautifully captured in the book
of Proverbs, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21). It can be applied for good
or evil. We also read, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov 12:18). Again, “The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly” (Prov
15:2).
Prophet Isaiah wrote, “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue
of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is
weary” (Is 50:4a). Hence, “The
tongue of the righteous is choice silver” (Prov
10:20).
The letter of Saint James reads, “And the tongue is a fire.
The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body,
setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell” (Jas 3:6).
God has blessed us with the ability to speak just like the
person Jesus cured in today’s gospel. The problem is what we do with this gift.
Saint Peter rightly admonished us, “He that would love life and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile” (1Pt 3:10; cf. Ps 34:12-13). And “He who
keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Prov 21:23). And for Saint James, “If
anyone thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his
heart, this man's religion is vain” (Jas
1:26; cf. Jas 3:8). May we follow the Psalmist who confessed, “I will take
heed of my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I have set a guard to my mouth,
I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence even from good things” (Ps 38[39]:2-3).[1]
Bible Reading: Jas 3:1-12.
Thought for today: The Holy Spirit ought to speak through us, cf. Matt 10:20.
Let us pray: Lord, ability to speak is your gift.
Help us always to give glory to you and bring healing to our brothers and
sisters through our words – Amen.
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