Sticks and Stones

First Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102
Gospel: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

We have all heard the saying as a kid that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Well, we all know that physically words may not hurt us, but emotionally they do. And perhaps it is not always other's words that hurt us the most, but sometimes it is our own words that are causing our downfall.

In the gospel today Jesus tells the people that "It is not what enters one's mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one." So we are lead to think here, what in the world do the words that I say have to do with who I am? And how is it that they defile me? Well, I have some thoughts in regards to this. If we are constantly speaking of things that are not good and of God, then the reason is most likely because we are not putting good and Holy things in our minds. I believe that "Garbage in = Garbage out!" We must always be aware of the things that we are surrounding ourselves with and who we are letting lead us. Think about a little child who is just learning to speak. Ever heard something surprising come out of the mouth of a little kid and then think to yourself, where did they learn that word from? All they are doing is repeating what they hear. We are not so different, except in the fact that we might start to take in things that we hear as truth, and depending on what things we are surrounding ourselves with, this can be very dangerous. Always be aware of what we are surrounding ourselves with and ask yourself, is this good and Holy or is this of the world? Remember, "Garbage In = Garbage Out."

I would like to share one of my favorite quotes with you for a reflection:
Watch your thoughts, they become your words
Watch your words, they become your actions
Watch your actions, they become your habits
Watch your habits, they become your character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny
-Frank Outlaw

Heavenly Father above, you are the source of all that is good and Holy. We pray for the courage and the wisdom to take out the things that are leading us away from you and to replace those with things that build us and your kingdom up. Lord we pray for all those who are struggling with living of this world vs just in it. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.