THE TONGUE

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this 6th Saturday in Ordinary Time is, “The Tongue.”

In today’s first reading from James 3: 1-10 - I see one more reason to say, “If you want to read the Bible, start with the Letter of James.” I like to say, “If you don’t get James, if you don’t feel challenged by the Letter of James, you won’t get stuff that’s not as clear as James.”

MATCH BOOK

We all know what a match book looks like. Question: How many matches are there in one match book? Answer: The regular match book has 20 matches in it.

Next picture opening book of match book and seeing 20 red tongues.

Then realize that those 20 red tongues can start 20 fires - or more.

James says just that. The tongue can ruin someone - burn someone - hurt another big time.

James says that the fire of the tongue can cause as much damage as a fire.

The wrong word can burn another.

But don’t forget the paradox: the right word can heal another.

MEDITATION

So this Letter of James can get us to meditate and reflect upon our own tongues - our own words - and the impact we make on one another - to build or to burn.

Agree or disagree? “In nine times out of ten, the slanderous tongue belongs to a disappointed person.” George Bancroft .

Agree or disagree? Do life’s two biggest regrets have to do with words: words spoken and words that we forgot to speak?

Agree or disagree: “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

I know there are conversations I didn’t have with my dad - that I wished I had. How about you - what do you say to loved ones when you stand at their grave, see their photo, pick out their memorial card from your prayer book?

I know there are sermons and comments I made that I wish hadn’t made. I know there are sermons and comments I could have said in another way.

The human tongue is a powerful fire as James is telling us in this first reading today.

CONCLUSION: THE BODY MORNING PRAYER

Tongue: stick your tongue out of your teeth a tiny bit and bite it for a moment each morning and while biting it, say a prayer that you use your tongue well that day - that you say something that helps another and you say something that hurts another.

Ears:  touch your ears for a moment each morning and ask the Lord that you might hear good stuff about people this day.

Eyes:  touch your eyes for a moment each morning and ask the Lord that only see the good things people do for each other this day.

Hands:  touch your hands for a moment each morning and ask the Lord that you reach out your hands to help someone this day.

Feet:  touch your toes or tap your feet for a moment each morning and ask the Lord that you walk away from gossip this day instead of spreading bad news about others.

Mind:  put your hand on top of your head for a moment each morning and pray that today you think good thoughts, plan good deeds, and good words come out of your mind and mouth. Amen.