Words With Wings

They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not at the scribes.  Mark 1.21-28

Jesus was humble and loving but spoke with purpose and authority.  How do we speak?  We’ve all had those moments when our mind trickles off or we begin to daydream, when the topic holds no interest for us.  As we get wiser, for some of us, our minds shift from wandering into meaningful moments and conversations.  Growing up, although my cousins and I played together, for the most part I was usually doing adult things in the kitchen, in sewing or serving and socializing with customers in our family restaurant.  I usually enjoyed being in the midst of adult conversations.   They had depth and quality.  I enjoyed listening to the history of my relatives, as they left their poverty stricken town in Agnone, Italy to immigrate to Canada for a better life for their family.  Their travels and their journey, was so meaningful to me.  My father spoke much of history and leaders in the world.  In developing our language skills, my father constantly challenged us to learn new words, thoughts and ideas.  They wanted us to be leaders in our life.  The conversations we had were fascinating.  On holidays when our entire family gathered at my Nonna and Nonno’s, our conversations were lively and for the most part inspiring.  My beautiful, humble mother spoke the most to help guide us into loving and forgiving others.  She was filled with God’s love.  My mother in law is one of the most beautiful, inspiring and Christ like lady who fills our entire family with her love.  People often say that her and I are alike but I bow to her beauty.  In the many years this lovely lady has been my mother in law, never have I heard her speak ill of anyone.  If something bothers her, she fills it with love in words and actions.  She is filled with joy.  In all my family, our times together, have been about speaking of the goodness that arose from the trials.  Our words have inspired one another.  We are individuals but we are a family and a community to others.  What a blessing to be in the midst of meaningful conversations.  Thank you Lord for all you have given.

I wonder if today’s conversations seem to be taking another direction?  Do hurtful words stem from self centeredness or pain?  If one is gossiping, we might ask ourselves, does that person not realize they are hurting someone’s character or do they serve some deep seated pain of their own.   Are your words purposeful and authentic to help another person or build their spirit?  There comes a time when things do bother us and we accidently say something that we shouldn’t have and this is where two people can differ.  If one has spoken a hurt against another and has no remorse, they suffer, however if one sins, but has faith in God, attends confession and repents for that sin, he is forgiven.  Our words can give wings to those around us, if we open our heart to God’s will for us. If all this seems too difficult, pray for it.  Let us make joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95  

We were created to build one another in spirit and light.  What a gift to live in the presence of joyful people and kind, caring and thoughtful conversations.  Whatever your circumstances be in another’s presence in peace and joy.  If things are weighing you down and joy seems far off , then try to be still and pray.  In the end, the joy and peace, you bring to others is the light that lasts.

Let us pray.  Lord giver of life and justice for all, Mother Mary our lady of peace and tranquility let us live to spread your good news of a life of peace and joy.  You have given us fullness of life, may we always find hope in you.  Let your words and wisdom fill our lives with joy and let us be a light for those around us.  Amen.

Peace,

Claudia

Our Nourished Soul