In today’s reflection from the daily Mass, Fr Dean explores the power of words, in private and public, and ask how responsible are we really.
The readings for Friday in the 28th week of the year can be found here.
Amongst the many items and displays at the imperial war museum in London, you can see a series of posters from the Second World War called Careless talk cost lives, because you never know who’s listening. There could be the enemy within.
It’s a memo that stands the test of time not just during wartime but perhaps particularly in the world of today—driven by social media. Perhaps we need to be more careful with our words. In the case of some people today it is still the case that careless talk can indeed cost lives
In the gospel reading today, the evangelist paints a colourful picture in just a few words. He says, “When so many thousands of the people had gathered together…they were trampling one another.” One can imagine the scene of near chaos and panic, and how words can easily be overheard in such a large gathering, and passed on like the childhood game of Chinese Whisper. It’s to this crowd that Jesus says. “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” Perhaps in that suffocating environment all can be heard, and some of the odd rumours about are already being overheard.
In the letter of St James (not one of our readings today) he speaks of bridling the tongue. “The tongue is a small part of the body,” he writes, “but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
“What you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed from the housetops,” says Jesus. We have a responsibility in both private and public, choosing our words carefully, knowing that they can affect others. Careless talk can indeed cost lives, and in a world where we can be heard by the click of a send button it is all the more timely for us to and to encourage others to communicate with sensitivity and the knowledge of the power of words.
Mass today is at St Saviour’s Church, Splott at 10am
South Cardiff Ministry Area 