In today’s Gospel proclamation our Lord Jesus shares an amazing revelation. He says, it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, rather it is the things that come out of our mouths that defile, because they come from one’s heart where intentions, words and deeds arise.

We have area/s in which we often fail and fall, for me it was my tongue. It often ran before my brain. I lost it in places that normal people wouldn’t much notice and in the process terribly hurt my family countless times. And yet there was a time I thought this was my lot, I was wounded from my past to be any good. In my desperation I persistently prayed with the 4 steps for change and one day God came to my rescue. He revealed a kingdom principle through Jeremiah 15:19-20 that the Lord desired to use His children as His mouth but the worthless words they utter were a hindrance and calls us into repentance.

His grace slowly brought me into repentance and as I kept reflecting on His word I experienced His healing. I have not arrived, however the urge to be offended or re-act has gotten lesser, or the desire to defend myself when provoked looks an utterly worthless pursuit. I’ve found the pearl of great value and tasted His peace and joy.

Let us bring to mind what Jesus Christ said “..those who want to save their lives will lose it…those who lose their lives for My sake, will find it.” (Matthew 16:24). Yet, we often fight to save our lives only to lose it in the end. “Happy are those who do not blunder with their lips and need not suffer remorse for sin.”(Sirach 14:1,2).

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.” So what do we choose today? Life in all its fullness or death & destruction? As we sit with our Lord Jesus today let us give Him the bitter truth of our pain, shame & suffering and receive His Holy Spirit. For His grace is enough for us, for His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Prayer: Abba Father, set a guard over my mouth and keep a watch over my lips that I may serve you. Amen